Former addict buries himself underground, brings awareness to nationwide opioid epidemic

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John Edwards, 62, buried himself in an 8-by-3-foot coffin in the dirt outside River at Tampa Bay Church on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2017. (Photo: John Edwards Walking Free/WTSP)

TAMPA, Fla. (WTSP) A former opioid abuser has buried himself underground to raise awareness on the nationwide opioid epidemic.

John Edwards, 62, buried himself in an 8-by-3-foot coffin in the dirt outside River at Tampa Bay Church on Sunday.

Edwards spoke with 10News reporter Garin Flowers about the experience on Facebook Live. The Irishman travels across the country to help others.

About 91 Americans die every day from opioid overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

MORE: Wall of 22,000 pills is memorial to opioid overdose victims

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