A Weekend Getaway Takes a Turn for the Worse for Local Family

As parents, we all look forward to family getaways. The excitement of spending quality time together, making memories, and escaping the daily routine can make even the most ordinary weekend feel special. But sometimes, in the blink of an eye, the unexpected happens — and it changes everything.

It was Saturday morning, a day of excitement, with the Warroad Boys Hockey team gearing up for their big championship game at the Minnesota State Hockey Tournament. The Bengtson family, Warroad locals, were enjoying a quiet start to the day. Amanda and her husband had just woken up, getting their 15-month-old son Blake ready for the day. After a while, Blake, as toddlers do, began to crawl around the room, exploring his surroundings. Amanda was keeping an eye on him but, like any parent, couldn’t have known what would happen next.

It was when Blake’s father called out from the bathroom, asking Amanda to check on Blake, that the morning quickly shifted from calm to terrifying. Blake, who had seemed perfectly fine just moments before, was shaking uncontrollably. At first, Amanda thought he was just cold, so she changed him into warmer clothes, trying to comfort him. But things didn’t improve. Blake’s shaking got worse, and he wouldn’t make eye contact with her. His eyes were glazed, and no matter how she moved, he didn’t seem to focus on her face.

That’s when Amanda knew something was terribly wrong. She called for her husband, and they rushed Blake to the nearby children’s hospital, which was fortunately just a short drive away. Blake’s condition worsened during the ride, and once at the hospital, doctors quickly determined that Blake was having a seizure—a seizure that would last a total of three hours.

During that time, doctors ran a series of tests to find out what could be causing Blake’s seizure. After what must have felt like an eternity, they discovered something shocking: traces of amphetamines in Blake’s system.

At first, the doctors thought Blake might have gotten into a medication, but as they questioned Amanda and her husband, they ruled that out. It wasn’t a prescription pill, and they were left with a devastating conclusion—Blake had ingested methamphetamine. This was the moment that would forever change the way Amanda and her husband viewed their family’s safety in public spaces.

Amanda remembers how surreal it felt when doctors told them what had happened. “We were just in a hotel room, having a family weekend,” she said. “The last thing I ever expected was for my son to be exposed to something like meth.” Blake, at only 15 months old, was at an age where everything goes into his mouth, and Amanda couldn’t help but wonder how this dangerous substance could have ended up in their room.

The family began to piece together what could have happened. Blake had been crawling around the hotel room that morning, and while he was playing with the room key, Amanda suspected that might have been the source. She remembers noticing Blake shaking while holding the key, leading her to believe that he might have accidentally ingested meth through the substance’s potential residue. “I can’t say for sure, but I always think back to the room key,” Amanda shared. “He was holding it, and he was shaking. It could have been something there.”

In the aftermath of Blake’s hospitalization, the Bengtsons faced additional challenges. The police and social services were involved, conducting an investigation and questioning the family about any potential sources of the drug. Although there was some follow-up, the family was left with many questions and a sense of frustration. The hotel, while cooperating to some extent, didn’t offer much in terms of accountability, leaving Amanda feeling disappointed by the lack of thoroughness in the response. “I don’t think it was about money or a lawsuit,” she explained. “We just wanted some acknowledgment that this happened in their space. We never expected it to go this far, but it’s just hard to know how much could have been done to prevent it.”

Despite these frustrations, Amanda and her husband are grateful that Blake made a full recovery. It’s nothing short of a miracle, considering the severity of the situation. And even as they reflect on the chaos of that time, Amanda is quick to acknowledge the most important thing: “Blake is healthy. He didn’t suffer permanent damage. That’s the blessing in all of this.”

The reality of what happened has prompted Amanda to speak out, not in anger, but in the hopes of raising awareness about a hidden danger many parents may not even think about. Methamphetamine exposure in public spaces—whether in hotel rooms, vacation rentals, or elsewhere—is a real and present risk. As Amanda pointed out, “I never thought this could happen in a hotel room. I was always worried about public bathrooms or gas stations, but hotels were supposed to be safe.”

What can we learn from Blake’s story?

• Don’t assume hotel rooms are safe: Even though we trust that hotels will maintain clean, safe environments, it’s important to take extra precautions. The truth is, contamination can happen anywhere, and it’s better to be vigilant.
• Do a room check: If you’re staying in a hotel, especially with young children, take the time to inspect the room. Wipe down surfaces like remote controls, doorknobs, and the room key with disinfectant wipes. Even if you don’t see any obvious signs of contamination, it’s a small step that can help protect your little ones.
• Be aware of the risks of edibles: As marijuana edibles (like gummies) become more common, they present a hidden danger for young children. Many gummies or candies infused with THC look similar to the candy kids already know and love, making it all too easy for them to mistake them for a harmless treat. With the growing legalization of marijuana, edibles are showing up in more public places, and parents must be on alert to protect their children from accidental ingestion.
• Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. As parents, we know our children best. If you notice unusual behavior or something seems off, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

While Amanda’s story is heartbreaking, it’s also a powerful reminder that awareness and action can make a difference. “This could happen to anyone,” she said. “We want to help other families avoid the heartache we went through. It’s about being aware and taking action, even in places we think are safe.”

Now, as Amanda moves forward, she hopes that sharing her experience will help other parents recognize that they are not immune to these dangers. We all need to be aware of the risks, no matter how unlikely they seem. It’s about looking out for our children and taking every precaution we can—because no one should ever have to experience the fear and confusion Amanda and her family faced that weekend.

As you head out for your next family trip, keep Blake’s story in mind. The safety of our children is too important to leave to chance. Let’s be the parents who protect our kids, not just by watching over them but by taking proactive steps to keep them safe. We can never be too careful.