Tragic Incident
A British mother, Maureen Rainford, has passed away at a retreat in Bolivia known for the use of the psychedelic drug ayahuasca. The tragic incident occurred after Maureen collapsed following the consumption of the substance in tea form.
Controversial Connection
Notably, Prince Harry had previously admitted to taking ayahuasca to help him cope with the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. Maureen had booked an £800 ten-day stay at the Ayahuasca and San Pedro Pisatahua Retreat, the same drug Prince Harry had used.
Family's Concerns
Maureen's family emphasized that she was fit and healthy before her trip to the Amazon commune, which was advertised as a wellness and detox retreat with controlled diets. Despite this, the tragic event unfolded during her visit.
Medical Emergency
According to Maureen's daughter, Rochel, she was informed that her mother had experienced a "medical emergency" at the retreat. After consuming the ayahuasca tea, Maureen's health deteriorated rapidly, leading to a fatal outcome despite resuscitation attempts.
Call for Awareness
Rochel has expressed a desire to raise awareness about the risks associated with such retreats, cautioning people against being swayed by appealing brochures promising a dream-like experience. The family is urging for better safety measures at these facilities.
Official Response
While the retreat's spokesperson stated that Maureen's passing was unrelated to the ayahuasca consumption, the family remains devastated by the loss. The incident has reignited discussions about the safety and regulation of psychedelic drug use in such settings.
Prince Harry's previous endorsement of ayahuasca as a coping mechanism for grief has also faced criticism, sparking debates about the implications of promoting such substances for mental health purposes.
