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The Tragic And Inspiring Legacy Of Ava Michelle's Brother, Devon Cota: What Happened And The Foundation Fighting Fentanyl

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The story of Ava Michelle Cota’s brother, Devon Cota, is a deeply personal tragedy that has since been channeled into a powerful, national movement for change. As of late 2025, the actress, widely known for her starring role in the Netflix film *Tall Girl*, continues to honor her late brother's memory by spearheading a critical public health campaign. Devon Michael Cota passed away in February 2021 at the age of 23 from accidental fentanyl poisoning, a devastating event that has prompted Ava and her mother, Jeanette Cota, to establish a foundation dedicated to mental health and drug awareness.

This article dives into the life of Devon Cota, the circumstances surrounding his tragic death, and the crucial work the Cota family is undertaking through the Devon Michael Foundation to prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss in the ongoing Fentanyl crisis.

Ava Michelle Cota: Biography and Profile

Ava Michelle Cota, often credited simply as Ava Michelle, rose to prominence as a dancer and model before transitioning into a successful acting career. Her public profile and influence now serve as a powerful platform for her advocacy work.

  • Full Name: Ava Michelle Cota
  • Date of Birth: April 10, 2002
  • Age (as of late 2025): 23 years old
  • Birthplace: Fenton, Michigan, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Parents: Jeanette Cota (Mother) and Rick Cota (Father)
  • Sibling: Devon Michael Cota (Late Brother)
  • Notable Career Highlights:
    • Television: Featured on the reality show *Dance Moms* (Seasons 3-4), where she was known for her height and unique dance style.
    • Film: Starred as Jodi Kreyman in the Netflix film *Tall Girl* (2019) and its sequel, *Tall Girl 2* (2022).
    • Modeling: Began modeling at a young age, often focusing on campaigns that celebrated body positivity and embracing differences.
  • Advocacy: Co-Founder of the Devon Michael Foundation.

The Heartbreaking Story of Devon Michael Cota

Devon Cota was more than just Ava Michelle’s brother; he was a beloved son and a young man with a bright future. Born to Jeanette and Rick Cota, Devon was a supportive older brother to Ava, cheering her on during her time on *Dance Moms* and throughout her acting career.

The family’s life was irrevocably changed in February 2021. Devon, at the age of 23, died from what the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled as an accidental death due to fentanyl overdose.

Accidental Fentanyl Poisoning: The Silent Killer

The critical detail in Devon’s passing is the nature of the overdose—it was an accidental fentanyl poisoning. This means Devon did not knowingly take a lethal dose of the powerful synthetic opioid, but rather consumed a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl.

  • The Danger of Fake Pills: Fentanyl is now being mixed into illicit drugs and counterfeit prescription pills, such as those made to look like Xanax, Adderall, or Oxycodone. A single pill can contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, and users are often unaware of the deadly content.
  • A National Crisis: Devon's death highlights the severity of the Fentanyl crisis, which has tragically claimed countless young lives across the United States. His passing became a catalyst for the Cota family to use their public voice to educate others about the 'one pill can kill' danger.

The Devon Michael Foundation: Carrying on a Legacy

In the wake of their devastating loss, Ava Michelle and her mother, Jeanette Cota, transformed their grief into purpose by establishing the Devon Michael Foundation (DMF). The foundation's mission is clear: to bring the number of fentanyl-related deaths down to zero.

Three Pillars of the Foundation’s Mission

The Devon Michael Foundation focuses its efforts on three interconnected areas to combat the crisis and honor Devon’s memory:

1. Fentanyl Awareness and Education: The foundation is dedicated to spreading awareness about the extreme danger of fentanyl and the prevalence of fake, poisoned pills. They share Devon's story to put a human face on the statistics and warn others about the risks of accidental overdose.

2. Mental Health Advocacy: The DMF recognizes the deep link between mental health struggles and substance abuse. They advocate for better mental wellness resources, aiming to help individuals before they turn to self-medication with potentially deadly substances.

3. Direct Community Action: The Cota family and the foundation are actively involved in community outreach. Their work often involves public speaking engagements, school visits, and collaborative events to reach young people directly.

Recent and Current Advocacy Work (Late 2025 Updates)

The foundation remains highly active, continually seeking new ways to amplify its message.

  • Partnership with the DEA: The Devon Michael Foundation has teamed up with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to support the "One Pill Can Kill" initiative. This partnership leverages Ava Michelle's platform to reach a younger demographic, particularly through the DEA’s "Game Over" tournament, which uses gaming to deliver a serious message about the dangers of counterfeit drugs.
  • 2024 Events and Outreach: Throughout 2024, Ava Michelle and Jeanette Cota have participated in numerous events, including school-based programs, to discuss the intersection of dance, mental wellness, and the fentanyl crisis. These events, often held in places like Fenton High School, serve as vital educational forums for students, parents, and community members.
  • Podcast and Media Appearances: Ava has given several heartfelt interviews on major podcasts and media outlets, including one with Richard Taite, where she openly discussed the trauma of finding her brother and the necessity of advocating for mental health and fentanyl awareness.

The Impact of Devon’s Legacy on Ava Michelle’s Career

Ava Michelle’s commitment to the Devon Michael Foundation has become an inseparable part of her public identity. While she continues her successful acting career, her role as a fentanyl awareness advocate has taken on profound importance. She leverages her fame from *Tall Girl* and *Dance Moms* to bring a spotlight to a crisis that often remains in the shadows.

The tragedy of losing her older brother has given Ava a unique and powerful voice in the national conversation about drug abuse and public health. Her work with the foundation ensures that Devon Cota’s life and death serve a greater purpose, transforming a personal heartbreak into a mission to save lives and support others who are struggling with mental health challenges and the devastation of the fentanyl epidemic. The Cota family’s dedication to this cause is a testament to the enduring power of sibling love and the desire to create a lasting, positive legacy for Devon.

The Tragic and Inspiring Legacy of Ava Michelle's Brother, Devon Cota: What Happened and The Foundation Fighting Fentanyl
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