Olivia Flowers Reveals Brother Conner's Tragic Passing: A Battle with Lyme Disease and a Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
Olivia Flowers of Southern Charm shares the heartbreaking journey of her brother Conner, who tragically lost his battle with Lyme disease in January Explore the ups and downs they faced, shedding light on his struggle against the disease that ultimately led to his untimely demise
Stephanie Diani/Bravo
Olivia Flowers shared the circumstances surrounding her brother Conner Flowers’ death for the first time since his passing in January.
On Wednesday, November 1, the 31-year-old star of Southern Charm disclosed that the coroner determined Conner's cause of death as an accidental overdose of fentanyl. However, Olivia revealed that her late brother's story goes beyond this, as his addiction to prescription medication was linked to his battle with Lyme disease.
"People didn't know about his Lyme, even those close to him," Olivia explained to People on Wednesday. "So when we hear that he died from a fentanyl overdose, the immediate assumption will be that he was indulging in partying. But that wasn't Conner. This was a relapse. It was his way to survive."
Olivia Flowers and Conner Flowers. Courtesy of Olivia Flowers/Instagram
Olivia observed that Conner, who passed away at the age of 32, first displayed symptoms of his Lyme disease when he was just 15. Yet, it took several years for him to receive an official diagnosis and find a doctor who had a strategy to alleviate his suffering.
"At such a young age, he began relying on prescription medication to experience a sense of normalcy," she remembered. "As a family, we witnessed the detrimental impact it had on his physical well-being."
Conner received painkillers to address his chronic pain, however, he continued to experience persistent headaches, joint and body pain, and anxiety. After eight years, Conner was recommended to a functional medicine specialist who began assisting him in his fight against the illness.
Olivia observed that at this stage, her older brother had developed a dependence on various opioids and Xanax, which he believed were aiding his ability to function. "Not only was he now receiving treatment for Lyme disease, but he also had to undergo rehabilitation to overcome his dependency on these medications," she explained.
The reality star revealed that Conner always acknowledged his problem and never resisted their family's attempts to send him to rehab over the years. With tears in her eyes, she expressed the difficulty in discussing the matter, as people tend to assume the worst when they hear words like "rehab" or "drugs." However, in Conner's case, these were not substances he used for partying but rather the medication that made him feel normal.
Skipping ahead to winter 2022, Conner was residing at a wellness center in Arizona and was in the best physical condition that Olivia had seen him in for years. After spending the holidays together with their parents, Conner was scheduled to return to Charleston, South Carolina, for a visit in January.
Olivia had a conversation with Conner earlier in the day, but upon arriving at her family's home, she noticed that no one was present. Shortly after, her father called to inform her that something had occurred. In a matter of minutes, the coroner arrived at the house, declaring Conner's death.
While Olivia's family made the announcement of Conner's passing in February, they did not disclose any specific details regarding the circumstances of his death. The aftermath of Conner's demise was also captured by the cameras of Southern Charm, revealing one of Olivia's final conversations with her brother in the October 19 episode.
Olivia shared a heartfelt moment during one scene, revealing that her late sibling expressed pride in her shortly before his passing. "He told me that I was doing everything right, that I was exactly where I was meant to be," she expressed in a confessional.
Reflecting on the incident, Olivia expressed deep gratitude on Wednesday, as Conner had agreed to FaceTime her for the show, allowing her to cherish the footage forever.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
