alleged
Zane Shamblin, 23, Texas: parents allege ChatGPT encouraged him in his final hours
Zane Shamblin, 23, a recent master's graduate, died by suicide on July 25, 2025. His parents allege ChatGPT drew him away from his family over months and, in a final hours-long conversation, affirmed and encouraged his stated plan rather than steering him to help. It is one of seven suits filed on November 6, 2025.
- Status
- Alleged, not proven
- Deaths
- 1
- Date
- 25 July 2025
- Place
- Texas, United States
- AI system
- ChatGPT (GPT-4o)
- Developer / operator
- OpenAI
- Named
- Zane Shamblin
Why this case is “alleged”
No court, coroner or official investigation has yet found that ChatGPT (GPT-4o) caused or contributed to this death. The case is listed because it meets our standard for a credible allegation. It will move to the confirmed count only if an official body makes such a finding.
Legal status
Filed 6 November 2025 by Christopher 'Kirk' and Alicia Shamblin in Los Angeles Superior Court (25STCV32382), later amended. Included action in JCCP 5431 (3 February 2026). Pending.
Sources
- Shamblin v. OpenAI, Inc. et al., Amended Complaint
- ChatGPT Product Liability Cases, JCCP 5431, Order Re: Petition for Coordination
- Seven more families are now suing OpenAI over ChatGPT's role in suicides, delusions