5 Shocking Facts About Ava Michelle’s Brother, Devon Cota, And Her Powerful Advocacy Against The Fentanyl Crisis

The story of Ava Michelle and her brother, Devon Cota, has become a powerful, heartbreaking catalyst in the fight against the devastating fentanyl crisis. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the *Tall Girl* actress continues to honor her late brother's legacy by turning personal tragedy into widespread public awareness, co-founding a foundation that educates millions on the dangers of accidental overdose and the silent epidemic sweeping the nation.

The search term "Ava Brother" overwhelmingly points to the life and tragic death of Devon Cota, the older brother of Netflix star and former *Dance Moms* personality, Ava Michelle Cota. His passing in 2021 was a pivotal moment that shifted the focus of Ava’s public platform from acting and dancing to urgent, life-saving advocacy, transforming her family’s grief into a mission to save other families from similar heartbreak.

Ava Michelle Cota & Devon Cota: A Complete Profile and Biography

The Cota family, known for their appearances on reality television and later on Netflix, endured a profound personal tragedy that propelled them into the world of public health advocacy. Below is a detailed profile of the key family members involved in the "Ava Brother" story.

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• Full Name: Ava Michelle Cota
• Known For: Lead role as Jodi Kreyman in the Netflix film trilogy *Tall Girl* (2019, 2022, 2024); former dancer on the reality show *Dance Moms*.
• Date of Birth: April 10, 2002
• Place of Birth: Fenton, Michigan, USA
• Role in Advocacy: Co-Founder and Secretary of The Devon Michael Foundation.
• Mother: Jeanette Cota (Founder & President of The Devon Michael Foundation).
• Late Brother's Name: Devon Michael Cota
• Devon Cota’s Date of Death: February 2021
• Devon Cota’s Cause of Death: Accidental Fentanyl Poisoning/Overdose.
• Legacy: The Devon Michael Foundation, established in 2022 to combat the fentanyl crisis through education and awareness.

The Tragic Loss: Devon Cota’s Accidental Fentanyl Poisoning

The core of the "Ava Brother" narrative is the shocking and devastating loss of Devon Cota. In February 2021, at the age of 23, Devon died from what the Los Angeles County Coroner officially ruled an accidental death due to fentanyl overdose.

This was not a case of long-term substance abuse, but rather a tragic, accidental poisoning. Devon, like many victims of the modern opioid crisis, unknowingly ingested a pill that was laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and even a minuscule amount—often described as the size of a few grains of salt—can be fatal.

The family has been vocal that Devon was a victim of the crisis of counterfeit pills, a growing danger where legitimate-looking prescription drugs (like Adderall, Xanax, or Percocet) are illegally manufactured and sold on social media or the dark web, containing deadly fentanyl. This critical distinction—the difference between a deliberate overdose and an accidental poisoning—is what fuels Ava Michelle and her mother's advocacy today.

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The emotional weight of the loss was compounded by the fact that Ava Michelle herself was the one who found her brother. This personal and traumatic experience became the driving force behind her commitment to public service, ensuring no other family has to endure the same shock and grief.

Turning Grief into Global Action: The Devon Michael Foundation

Following Devon's death, Ava Michelle and her mother, Jeanette Cota, channeled their immense grief into a tangible, proactive mission by establishing The Devon Michael Foundation (DMF) in 2022.

The foundation’s primary goal is to provide education and resources to young people and families about the extreme dangers of fentanyl and the prevalence of counterfeit pills. Their work is centered on the message that "One Pill Can Kill," emphasizing that even a single, seemingly benign pill from an illicit source can be lethal due to fentanyl contamination.

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Key initiatives and impact of The Devon Michael Foundation include:

• Viral Awareness Campaigns: Ava Michelle leveraged her massive social media following, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram, to share her brother's story. One video alone about the loss and the lack of education surrounding fentanyl garnered over 14 million views, significantly amplifying the foundation's reach.
• Educational Partnerships: The foundation works with educational institutions and organizations, including the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), to distribute factual, life-saving information.
• Focus on Mental Health: Recognizing the link between mental health struggles and substance use, the foundation also advocates for greater mental health resources and destigmatization, ensuring individuals seek help before turning to dangerous, unregulated substances.
• Legislative Support: The Cota family actively supports legislation and policy changes aimed at increasing awareness, improving drug testing, and holding those who traffic fentanyl-laced drugs accountable.

Ava Michelle frequently speaks out, noting that more young people have died from fentanyl poisoning in recent years than from COVID-19, underscoring the urgency of the crisis and the necessity of open dialogue.

The Fentanyl Crisis and Why Ava Michelle’s Story is Crucial

The advocacy work of Ava Michelle and The Devon Michael Foundation is critical because the fentanyl crisis is evolving rapidly. The drug is no longer confined to traditional drug use circles; it is now a major threat to casual or first-time users who believe they are taking a legitimate prescription pill.

Devon Cota's story serves as a stark warning to the millions of young fans who follow Ava Michelle. By speaking openly about her brother's accidental poisoning, she breaks down the stigma often associated with drug-related deaths and highlights the fact that this is a poisoning crisis, not just an addiction crisis. Her current, ongoing efforts in 2024 and 2025 ensure that the conversation remains at the forefront of public consciousness, pushing for better education in schools and communities.

The actress’s willingness to share intimate details of her grief—including finding her brother—allows her to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, making the abstract danger of fentanyl a horrifying, relatable reality. This tireless dedication to honoring Devon Cota's life through the foundation's work is the true legacy of the term "Ava Brother."