SEATTLE – The family of a Washington State University freshman who died by suicide has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hims & Hers Health Inc., the company that prescribed his antidepressants.
According to the lawsuit, the parents of Luke Tyler allege that Hims prescribed their son an antidepressant known to increase suicide risk in adolescents without a consultation. The lawsuit said that this occurred shortly after Luke saw an Instagram ad for Hims.
The suit also said that a Hims provider doubled Luke’s dosage without speaking to him, ultimately leading to his death by suicide using the prescribed medication. During that time, Luke was reportedly being hazed by the WSU chapter of Theta Chi fraternity, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit accuses Hims of recklessly expanding into mental health care through telehealth and raises concerns about the company’s affiliated medical groups, which it claims are run by unqualified medical professionals with histories of unethical conduct.
The Tyler family argues that Hims’ actions violated Washington law and disregarded Luke’s health and safety, calling the company’s practices a foreseeable danger that contributed to their son’s death.
NonStop Local KHQ reached out to Hims & Hers Health Inc. but has not yet received a response.
