In Santa Cruz, CA, a Google executive dies of a heroin overdose. A model he met online is in jail, facing the trial of her life. Sounds like a novel or movie plot, right? It’s real life.
The Google executive is Forest Hayes. Hayes had a life most men only dream of: a high level job at Google, a 17 year successful marriage with children, respect everywhere he went, and his own yacht. Then he met an aspiring tattoo model named Alix Tichelman through a causal ‘sugar daddy’ website called Seeking Arrangement. This website caters to rich men looking for women seeking casual hookups. ?In November 2013, both boarded Hayes’ yacht, a yacht he decked out with camera equipment. According to local police, Tichelman injected herself with heroin, then allegedly injected Hayes with the heroin. Hays collapses and soon dies of an overdose. Local authorities claim Tichelman drank some wine, failed to call 911, and left the boat while Hayes was dying. A boat captain discovered Hayes’ body the next day. Eight months later, Tichelman was arrested for manslaughter, drug possession, and other crimes, facing 20 years in prison. But last week, the plot thickened again. Alix Tichelman pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, guaranteeing a reduced sentence. You can see this case unfold tonight on the CBS true crime show 48 Hours. Check your local listings for times.
This tragedy has everything the world loves: money, wealth, adultery, sex, drugs, death and celebrity downfall. I call this a tragedy because we need to look beyond the juicy scandal. A wife lost her husband. Five children lost their father. A community lost a pillar. He may have made bad choices, but Mr. Hayes was a human being. They’re lessons we can all learn from this, like be careful of where you look for companionship online, and from whom. Do you think Alix Tichelman’s sentence is too harsh, too light, or just right?