Hernando High School’s former assistant football and former head track coach was arrested for providing a Kratom-based supplement to a 17-year-old student on school grounds.
On May 9, 47-year-old Terry Kennedy provided a student with two packets of a Kratom-based supplement after the student asked for it, having previously observed Kennedy using it as an energy booster. Kratom, which can produce stimulant-like effects, is illegal for minors to possess or consume.
The student ate the supplement along with a soda and proceeded to his next class, where he soon began exhibiting signs of distress.
A school resource deputy from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office responded to the classroom and found the student unresponsive, with a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and elevated body temperature. After performing a sternum rub, the student regained consciousness and reported feeling overheated.
The student’s vitals were taken at the school, which showed the student had an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. The student was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment and observation.
During questioning, Kennedy admitted to supplying the supplement and confirmed he knew it contained Kratom.
Kennedy resigned as an assistant football coach at Hernando High School in February to take a position at Crystal River High School as a defensive coordinator.
On May 16, an arrest warrant was issued, and Kennedy turned himself in at the Lake County Detention Center. He faces a misdemeanor charge of furnishing a Kratom product to a minor. His bond was set at $500.
