An attorney representing the wife of Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Steve Bechler, whose death has been linked to the herbal supplement ephedra, revealed Tuesday that he plans to file a lawsuit against the makers of Xenadrine RFA-1. Bechler, 23, died February 17, less than a day after a spring training workout sent his temperature to a fatal 108 degrees.
Initial autopsy reports indicate the pitcher died of heatstroke that caused multi-organ failure. Witnesses say Bechler was taking several pills a day of Xenadrine RFA-1, an over-the-counter weight-loss drug containing ephedra. Kiley Bechler's attorney, who said filing was "weeks away," told the Washington Post that it was very clear that "ephedra killed him" and that "we intend to get this product off the shelves." Xenadrine RFA-1 is made by Cytodyne Technologies. A spokesperson for the company insists Xenadrine is safe and effective.
In related news, Minnesota Vikings attorneys filed documents last week blaming Korey Stringer's August 1, 2001 death on ephedra. Stringer's wife has filed a $100 million wrongful death suit against the team alleging coaches forced Stringer to continue practicing after he became ill and failed to provide medical assistance in a timely manner when his body temperature rose to nearly 109 degrees. After Stringer's death, the National Football League banned ephedra.
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