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Reflecting on the indescribable pain and questions from losing a loved one to a drug overdose

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The author's nephew as a child, leaping off of a jetski into the water. (Courtesy Martha Bebinger)
The author's nephew as a child, leaping off of a jetski into the water. (Courtesy Martha Bebinger)

WBUR's Martha Bebinger lost her nephew, Austen Smith, to a drug overdose last year. In this essay, she describes the pain and questions that linger.


Caleb Green and André Peralta composed and performed the music for this segment. Green also mixed it for broadcast.

This segment aired on August 6, 2025.

Headshot of Martha Bebinger
Martha Bebinger Correspondent

Martha Bebinger is a correspondent for WBUR. She covers health care and other general assignments for the outlet.

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