A woman took her sister's ashes on holiday to Las Vegas three years after she died aged just 18.
In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of opioids, Brianna Payne from Arizona shared how she commemorated what would have been her sister's 21st birthday.
Grieving Brianna tragically lost her sister Erin in May 2020 due to accidental fentanyl poisoning.
Erin, who had just turned 18, had unknowingly purchased medication laced with the dangerous opioid.
Determined to fulfil their shared promise of travelling the world together, Brianna embarked on a journey to honour her sister's memory.
Along the way, she felt that Erin was with her, as she encountered what she interpreted as signs of her presence.
Despite the sorrowful circumstances, Brianna, who operates a production studio called Buddycap, found solace and even joy in travelling with her sister's urn.
She expressed her intention to continue this practice and explore new destinations with Erin's remains.
With over 10,000 followers on Instagram (@briipayne), Brianna, an influencer, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of opioids by sharing her story.
Reflecting on her trip to Las Vegas, Brianna described it as amazing.
"I went for what would have been Erin's 21st birthday, April 17th and it was also my friend’s 30th birthday so I got to celebrate with her too, which helped me get through the five days I was there.
"There was even a moment where one of mine and Erin's songs came on and my friend walked in and saw me crying — she had actually walked in to ask me if there was a song I wanted to listen to, that one gave me goosebumps."
She also mentioned their visit to the largest Denny's restaurant in the world, which held special significance as it was Erin's favourite.
"I even played a few slots and used the urn to press the button," she said.
Brianna, committed to involving her sister in all aspects of her life, finds it natural to bring Erin's urn along on her travels.
She has already taken her sister's remains to various locations, including Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, among others, fulfilling their shared goal of exploring the world together.
Looking ahead, Brianna plans to continue her travels with her sister's urn and hopes to bring Erin to Romania.
She mentions that their cousin had a trip planned to Romania just two months after Erin's passing, and she believes her sister would have cherished such an experience.
She told Needtoknow.com: "I know that she would appreciate it, and every time I go on a trip she sends me signs to show that she is still with me."
While some social media users question Brianna's decision to travel with her sister's urn, she receives considerable support from her family.
Brianna's mother appreciates and admires her efforts and they plan to visit the DEA memorial in Washington D.C., where Erin's name is displayed alongside others who lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning.
Brianna believes that coping with humour and enjoying life aligns with her sister's wishes, as Erin was known for her sense of humour.
"My sister was the funniest person I ever knew so having fun is the best way to cope because that is what she would want," she said.
Determined to utilize her voice and platform, Brianna aims to raise awareness about fentanyl.
Following the posting of a video sharing Erin's story, which garnered 380 likes, sympathetic commenters expressed their condolences and gratitude for Brianna's awareness-raising efforts.
Social media users offered their support, acknowledging the tragedy of Erin's loss and thanking Brianna for her advocacy work.
Lina said: "Thank you for spreading awareness and I’m sorry for your loss."
Shayna wrote: "The strength it must of took you to post this." [sic]
Tammi said: "This is a tragic and terrifying thing! I’m so sorry for your loss thank you so much for spreading awareness."
"Wow so sorry about your sister. Thank you for spreading awareness I had no idea," wrote Millie.
Rich added: "Continued healing love and light."
