Michigan Medical Marijuana Association: Sal Agro Medical Marijuana Patient Raided Dies Of Heart Attack

I would first like to extend the condolences of the entire MMMA Family to the Agro's. I am sorry that Sal's last days were filled with terror, he suffered at the hands of a police force he described as Gestapo like. I would request at this time that the police return the money that was stolen from the family to help with Sal's final expenses. This is what happens when you abuse the chronically ill. The everyday stress of fighting our diseases is as much as we can stand. It doesn't take much to push us over that fine line. There is no undoing these inhumane acts of those police officers. I hope that when they look at themselves in the mirror they do some soul searching, and follow only lawful orders. The abuse of the sick is an intolerable situation. The MMMA will fight this tyranny and support patients rights with every single resource we have. God Bless You Sal! I never got to meet you personally, but liked you the first time I saw you on your video. BB


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Sal Agro looks at the empty pots in the basement of his Orion Township, that he used to grow marijuana. Sheriff's deputies raided his home Wednesday night and took under 20 plants and confiscated $11,000 in cash that he said he had to purchase a new car. The Oakland Press/TIM THOMPSON

Sal Agro, the Lake Orion man who spoke out about police last week after an Aug. 25 medical marijuana raid at him home, died Thursday.

His death was caused by a heart attack, family members said. He had recently had hip surgery. He was 67.

After the raids, Agro, a retired GM worker and beloved Lake Orion sports coach, walked through areas of his home to show where police had torn apart beds and clothing, looking for marijuana, he said.

Several marijuana plants he had been growing in a basement bedroom had been torn out and confiscated by police.

“They had ski masks on and acted like the Gestapo,” he had said.

Agro said his sons Nick and Tony Agro ran the Clinical Relief, at 362 Hilton, in Ferndale. His wife, Barb, was interviewed at the clinic.



Sal Agro said both he and his wife had state-issued cards that allow them to have marijuana plants.

The Agros’ son Tony was arrested in Ferndale during the raid.

Sal Agro said his family had run the Ferndale clinic professionally and had invited government officials to tour the operation.

“They said our clinic is the benchmark,” he said Aug. 26.

Cecelia Vellucci of Lake Orion said she knew Agro for nearly 40 years.

“He was very caring for children,” she said. “He was always there first to guide and train them.”

Vellucci said her five sons went to school with the Agros’ sons.

“He was very friendly, kidding and joking,” she said. “He wasn’t afraid to speak up.”

A Facebook posting at 2:45 p.m. Thursday spoke about Agro’s sports background.

“Lake Orion suffered a devastating loss this early afternoon. Our hearts go out the Agro family and the passing of Sal Agro after complications following his recent hip replacement surgery. RIP Coach!”

Jennifer Chapdelaine wrote, “Sal was the best coach I’ve ever had and my favorite! He will be missed greatly!”

John F. Carson wrote, “Maril and I have suffered a great loss. Sal was both friend and family. We will miss you, Sal. Our loss is God’s gift ... heaven will never be the same.”

Mr. Agro was born on Jan. 30, 1943 in Buffalo, N.Y. to Carmela and Michael Agro. He was in the U.S. Air Force for four years, his family said, and moved to Michigan in the mid-1960s because he was stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base in Harrison Township. He married Barbara Weaver in 1965. The couple has three children, Michael (Cherie) of Colorado, Anthony (Dianne) of Troy and Nicholas (Jennifer) of Lake Orion. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kara, Amber, Joseph, AnnaGrace, Carson, Addison, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Sparks Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion and details of services are pending.