British mum dies after drinking ‘psychedelic drug-laced tea’ praised by Prince Harry at Bolivian detox retreat
A BRIT mum has died at a retreat in Bolivia specialising in psychedelic drug ayahuasca.
Maureen Rainford’s daughter was told she collapsed after drinking the substance in a tea.
It is the same drug Prince Harry last year controversially admitted taking to help cope after mum Diana’s death.
Social worker Maureen’s family stressed she had been fit and healthy and the Amazon commune she visited was billed as a wellness and detox retreat with controlled diets.
The mum of three, 54, of Romford, Essex, had booked the £800 ten-day stay last month at the Ayahuasca and San Pedro Pisatahua Retreat.
Ayahuasca — an illegal Class A drug in the UK — is handed out at ceremonies by a shaman and causes reactions including visions, energy and euphoria.
Breathing rate plummeted
Daughter Rochel, 32, said she was told by a resort official called Eric that Maureen had suffered a “medical emergency”.
Others there told Rochel that ten minutes after drinking the ayahuasca tea she complained of feeling unwell as her heart and breathing rate plummeted.
She died after an hour despite CPR efforts. A doctor arrived later, the family heard.
Rochel told The Sun on Sunday: “There should be a trained medic on standby when hallucinogenic drugs are being handed out in a remote area.
I want to raise awareness about these places for people tempted by glossy brochures selling a dream
Rochel
“Eric tried to insist that she must be cremated in Bolivia as her body would decompose, but I did not want any cover-up.”
Rochel said that after contacting the British consulate, Maureen’s body was returned and a post-mortem confirmed she had suffered a heart attack.
East London’s coroner has been informed of the death and the funeral was held last week.
Rochel added: “I want to raise awareness about these places for people tempted by glossy brochures selling a dream.”
A spokesman for the retreat said “her passing was due to a medical emergency that was not related to ayahuasca”.
They added: “Our heart goes out to her family.”
Prince Harry was criticised last year for claiming the drug helped him deal with his mum’s 1997 death.
He said: “After taking ayahuasca with the proper people I suddenly realised — wow! — it’s not about the crying.”