An Angel on earth who changed lives.
Ari was a gentle soul, beloved by everyone he met. He was a happy-go-lucky child, demonstrative with his love, a good and interested listener, and often gave supportive hugs to those who needed them. He won a Florida speech competition, had his Bar Mitzvah, and helped start small businesses for minorities in Israel. In high school, he started a group called STAND to raise awareness and money for victims of Darfur. He played volleyball in high school and college and served food to those in need. Ari liked to play guitar and sing for children in hospitals.
Ari loved writing music, playing guitar and drums, and using music to communicate his thoughts and feelings. He traveled the world with his family, immersing himself in new cultures and customs. He had a unique talent for meeting people, connecting with them, and bringing joy and comfort. Ari graduated with honors from the University of Florida and changed from the tech world to become an EMT, hoping to become a firefighter or physician’s assistant in the future. He saved lives, including with Narcan, and often followed up to see how those he helped were doing.
Ari was close to his siblings Talia and Yoni and was an amazing uncle to their children. The three siblings spent a lot of time together. His sisters were there for him day and night during his battle with addiction, never giving up on him. He also had a girlfriend, Judy, who he loved with all his being.
Ari’s substance use disorder began when he sustained a back injury in college and was given liberal amounts of OxyContin. Before he passed, Ari had been substance-free for a time, but because of the pandemic felt disconnected from others and became lonely and depressed. Recognizing he needed help, he reached out to the rehab facility he had been to previously. They didn’t have any available space for months. While he was waiting, he bought something to help his depression and was killed by pure fentynal, acetyl-fentanyl it contained.
“He was an amazing son,” his mother, Michal, said, “It broke our hearts watching him battle addiction. It hijacked his brain. Ari wanted so badly to live. He went to treatment many times and fought so hard.” “Now we live in the before and after Ari, we cry a lot, we mourn.”
Michal is working as an advocate, being Ari’s voice. “I talk about substance use disorder to families, teens, and pre-teens, to stop the stigma and save lives. Her advocacy also includes education about the fentanyl epidemic in the U.S. and working closely with the local Sheriff’s office to educate others.
She misses Ari’s love, his hugs, smile, and strength. “He was a deep thinker. I learned so much from him, and miss him every minute of the day,” Michal said. ‘The house was always full of friends when Ari was here, now that bright light is gone.”
Ari’s mother, Michal Osteen, provided the information for this narrative.
February 10, 1990-November 13, 2020
Age 30-Lived with the disease of addiction for 10 years.
