A mourning father who lost his son to a fentanyl overdose after the teen smoked a THC vape pen has shared a stark warning with other parents, in the hopes of saving them from the pain he and his wife have suffered.
Tommy Habeeb of Georgia told WSBTV2 that his 19-year-old son, Thomas Habeeb IV, died of a fentanyl overdose after his weed pen was laced.
'He obviously wasn't 21, so he got them by either going into a convenience store and getting them underage or getting them off the streets,' said Habeeb to WSBTV2.
'I wanted to open an investigation in Jackson County. The investigator was in complete agreement but the problem he said, it's like a needle in a haystack. It's an epidemic out there.'
The father said Thomas had a substance abuse problem in high school but got clean before going to North Georgia College.
At the University, he began to heavily use the THC vapes and went back home to their house in Hoschton while on break from school.
On July 15, 2025, his mother went to his bedroom to check on him.
'She went to wake him up. He had passed. The autopsy report came back, and there was fentanyl,' Habeeb said.
Thomas Habeeb IV, died of a fentanyl overdose on July 15, 2025
His father, Tommy Habeeb told WSBTV2 that he believes that his son's THC vape was laced with the dangerous substance
The father is now speaking out to help raise awareness of unregulated vaping products.
'The pain is unique; this type of pain is unexplainable. If I can prevent one parent from feeling this pain, it would be a success for me,' said Habeeb.
'The message I would like to send to parents is stronger awareness and also be a voice to your representatives about regulations.'
A health and memorial endowment was established in honor of Thomas's legacy.
'Thomas Habeeb IV was the kind of person whose light didn’t just shine, it warmed. A young man of remarkable empathy, quiet strength, and disarming kindness,' reads the memorial page.
'Thomas had an incredible gift—the ability to connect and lift others, not just passively, but with enthusiasm. With a smile that made people feel seen and valued. He was the friend who asked if you were okay and actually meant it.'
'I wanted to open an investigation in Jackson County. The investigator was in complete agreement but the problem he said, it's like a needle in a haystack. It's an epidemic out there,' said Habeeb to the outlet
Habeeb said he was found dead in his bedroom by the teens mother. He said an autopsy discovered that the cause of death was due to a fentanyl overdose
'He made a point to reach out, help, or simply listen to people from all walks of life. He was never judgmental and always put others first, showing one of the biggest hearts we’ve ever known.'
'Thomas often sacrificed his own happiness for the sake of others, always striving to be uplifting and supportive to his friends and family.'
'He never met a stranger, and age, gender, or ethnicity never mattered to him. Somehow, he always found a way to relate to someone’s concerns or worries.'
'He genuinely loved helping people and was truly a light in this world. Though his time with us was far too short, the way he showed up for others continues to echo through the halls of UNG and in the lives he touched.'