Former meth addict's father keeps anti-drug message alive

A year after Shawn Bridges succumbed to the ravages of methamphetamine, his father remains on a mission to save others.

Shawn Bridges, 35, died in a Cape Girardeau hospital on March 26, 2007. Meth ruined his body. He suffered a heart attack at 26.

Once past the addiction, Shawn Bridges worked with documentarian Chip Rosetti to create "No More Sunsets," to help addicts remain sober and warn children against drug use.

The video shows friends and relatives talking about Bridges' life, addiction and resulting health problems. He was incapacitated at that point.

"I promised him we would get his story out and save as many people from the tragedy he put himself through, going to an early grave at 35," said Jack Bridges, 55, during a Wednesday afternoon phone interview.

He is busy setting up speaking engagements, looking for ways to promote a sequel to the original video called "Out of the Darkness," scheduled to be completed later this month, he said.

The videos and talks are "anti-drug, anti-meth. It's the dangers of underage drinking and driving," he said. "We're trying to do all the area high schools before summer vacation."

He plans to give away DVDs, T-shirts, posters and possibly music. He said area restaurants have offered meal coupons and other businesses are helping, too. One of Shawn Bridges' four daughters has volunteered to speak at events.

But Bridges needs some technical help. He's got Web sites, www.myspace.com/shawnbridges; www.michaeljasonenterprises.com; and www.nomoresunsets.net, but wants to update them.

"I'm not computer wise," he said. "I can do a little bit of it, but I'm slow."

Meth is, Jack Bridges said, "the devil drug. It actually steals your soul."

He is doing the work around his schedule as a driver for Girardeau Stevedores and Contractors, Inc.

"I'm trying to keep Shawn's story alive and we're working on other people's stories," he said.

Bridges can be reached through the contact pages on his Web site, or by e-mail jc_bridges@sbcglobal.net.

On April 23, he'll speak to Scott City High School students during the day; he'll repeat the presentation at 6 p.m. at the high school, 3000 Main St. in Scott City. For event details, call LaDonna Pratt at 573-264-2138.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127