Grieving woman takes dead sister’s ashes to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday
A 26-year-old woman has spoken out about taking her late sister’s ashes to Las Vegas to celebrate what would have been her 21st birthday.
Brianna Payne, from Arizona, lost her sister to accidental fentanyl poisoning in May 2020.
Erin, who had just turned 18, unknowingly bought drugs containing opioids.
After promising each other to “travel the world together,” the 26-year-old went on a journey to make this happen for Erin.
Brianna Payne (right), 26, lost her sister, Erin (left), 18, to accidental fentanyl poisoning. Prior to her death, they promised each other that they would ‘travel the world together’
Brianna also took the urn to Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, Oregon, Washington and Colorado
Brianna said she saw “signs” that her sister was on her way.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Brianna, who runs a production studio called Buddycap, says traveling with her sister’s urn has been “fun” and has revealed big plans to continue taking her to new places.
The influencer, who already has more than 10,000 followers on Instagram @briipayneshares her story to raise awareness of the dangers of opioids.
“The trip to Vegas was amazing,” Brianna told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“I went for what would have been Erin’s 21 birthday, April 17, and it was also my boyfriend’s 30, so I got to celebrate with her too, which helped me get through the five days I was there.
“There was even a point where one of me and Erin’s songs came on, and my girlfriend came in and saw me crying — she’d actually walked in to ask me if there was a song I wanted to listen to, that gave me goosebumps.”
“We even got to go to the biggest Denny’s in the world. Denny’s was Erin’s favorite.
“I even played a few slots and used the urn to press the button.”
She says, “We plan to go to Washington DC, to the DEA memorial, as my sister is on the wall, along with others who also lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning”
Erin’s ashes in an urn at a waterfall in Oregon (left) and “playing slots” in Las Vegas (right)
She says, “I know she would appreciate it, and every time I go on a trip, she sends me signs to show she’s still with me.” Pictured is Erin’s urn above a skyline (left) and in front of Denny’s (right)
For Brianna, who wants to involve her sister in all aspects of her life, it feels natural to take her urn on a trip.
To date, she has taken her sister to Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and more – fulfilling Erin’s mission to see as much of the world as possible, even after death.
And the urn’s compact size makes it perfect for travel.
“I’ve been doing this pretty much since she passed,” Brianna said.
“We’ve been to Puerto Rico, chased waterfalls all over Oregon and Washington, Colorado and lots of other places.
“I plan to keep doing this and my main goal is to get her to Romania with our cousin, who actually planned a trip to Romania two months after her passing.
“I know she would appreciate it, and every time I go on a trip she sends me signs to show that she’s still with me.”
Brianna blew out the candle for Erin’s 21st birthday using the urn
The 26-year-old says: ‘Now I want to use my voice and platform to help spread awareness of fentanyl’
Despite some people online wondering why Brianna would want to travel with her sister’s urn, she says she receives a lot of support from her family.
And Brianna is sure Erin would have loved it.
“My mom loves and admires me doing this,” she said.
“We are planning to take a trip to Washington DC to the DEA memorial as my sister is on the wall along with others who also died from fentanyl poisoning.
“My sister was the funniest person I’ve ever known, so having fun is the best way to handle it because that’s what she’d want.
“Now I want to use my voice and platform to spread awareness about fentanyl.”
She said, “My mother loves and admires me doing this.” In the photo, Brianna and Erin are like kids
Brianna continues, ‘My sister was the funniest person I’ve ever known so having fun is the best way to handle it because that’s what she’d want’
Followers flocked to Brianna’s social media to spread love and support
After posting a video sharing Erin’s story, sympathetic commenters were quick to share their condolences.
“Thank you for spreading awareness and I’m sorry for your loss,” one person wrote.
Another added, “The strength it must have taken you to post this.”
“This is tragic and terrifying! I’m so sorry for your loss, thank you so much for spreading awareness,” a third person said.
“Wow, that’s too bad of your sister. Thanks for spreading awareness, I had no idea,” one comment read.
Someone else wrote: “Continue with healing love and light.”