On 05-09-2025, a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office school resource deputy responded to a classroom on the campus of Hernando High School in reference to a 17-year-old student who appeared to be having a medical emergency.
Upon making contact with the student, the deputy advised that the student was unresponsive with a rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and was hot to the touch.The deputy then performed a sternum rub, which the student responded to bysitting up and saying he was hot.
Vitals taken at the school showed the student had an elevated heart rate and blood pressure.The student advised that he took an herbal supplement provided to him by ateacher, later identified as Terry Kennedy DOB/12-19-1977.
The student advised that he saw the teacher use the supplement previously as an energy booster, and asked Kennedy if he could have some. Kennedy provided the student with two packets of the Kratom-based supplement. The student ingested both packets along with a soda. Kratom produces stimulant-like effects, and is illegal for juveniles to possess or consume.
The student, who went to his next class, began to experience symptoms ofdistress shortly after taking the supplement. The student was transported to alocal hospital for further treatment and observation. During questioning, Kennedy, who also coaches football, advised he providedthe supplement to the student at the student’s request. Kennedy said he wasaware the supplement contained Kratom.
On 05-16-2025, a warrant was issued for Kennedy’s arrest on a charge of Furnishing a Kratom Product to a Juvenile, a misdemeanor.
On 05-17-2025,Kennedy turned himself in at the Lake County Detention Center. His bond was set at $500.
