Kutztown University student Tyler Snyder of Rockland Township created a documentary chronicling the life of Shania Rupp of Topton who died from a fentanyl overdose in 2016. She was a Brandywine Heights graduate and was enrolled at KU.
“When I saw that Shania passed away, I was devastated,” said Tyler, 21, a graduating KU electronic media senior. “I was tired of seeing so many people close to me dying from heroin overdoses.”
Then while watching the news he saw Wendy Rupp, Shania’s mother, talk about how she wanted to tell her daughter’s story out, show people that her daughter was more than just a user. Tyler decided to contact her and offer to make a documentary about her daughter’s life.
“She didn’t hesitate to agree to it,” he said.
The film “A Fallen Angel: The Story of Shania Nichole Rupp” tells the story of Shania’s life and struggles, fully told through interviews from Shania’s mother, one of Shania’s closest friends, Aixia Zellers, and a video that Shania had made two years before her passing.
“The film includes Shania’s early years in life, her struggles with Anorexia, her depression, her drug usage, rehabilitation, relapse, the day she passed, and then advice to current users and parents,” said Tyler, who met Shania while they both attended Brandywine Heights High School.
“When she was suffering with depression, I noticed that something wasn’t right. I decided to tell her that if she needed someone to talk to, I was there for her, even though I didn’t know her at the time,” remembered Tyler. “We immediately hit it off and remained close throughout high school.”
A free public screening was held April 1 at Rickenbach Auditorium on KU’s campus.
“I hope that this documentary informs people on who Shania really was, informs current users on the dangers of heroin and other drugs they may even be unaware that they are using, and educates parents on how to find out if their child is using drugs and what to do if they are,” said Tyler. “If this documentary can save even one life, then it will have all been worth it.”
Tyler is not completely sure how far he will go with this film yet. He has given it to Brandywine Heights High School. A copy will be given to the Brandywine Heights Community Task Force in Topton also.
“It may also be shown to students at the school to open their eyes to the dangers of heroin. I’m also hoping to submit it to the Reading Student Film Festival this year,” he said. “Other than that, only time will tell!”
He said this film would not have been possible without the help of his crew, the community, and “other very special people who helped to make this documentary better than I could have ever imagined.”
Offering advice to the community, Tyler said, “If anyone out there is currently struggling with Anorexia, depression, or addiction, just know that you are not alone. You can beat this, you just need to reach out to someone.”
