Forensic pathologist reveals cause of death as American tourist dies after taking ayahuasca

A forensic pathologist has revealed the cause of death of an American tourist who died after taking ayahuasca.

Aaron Wayne Castranova, who was visiting a spiritual retreat in Peru, died after drinking the drug-infused tea.

The 41-year-old was taking part in a shamanic ritual in Loreto, during which he took ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic which is banned in the United States.

However, after taken the drug, he died on 2nd June.

A forensic pathologist working on the case told the Daily Mail that after Aaron drank the tea, a number of his organs started to “breakdown” leading to his death.

Ayahuasca has been used for centuries by native communities, however, it can cause serious health complications and death. There are a number of jungle retreats that offer taking ayahuasca, with people who drink the tea being supported by a guide.

The US Embassy of Peru’s website advises Americans not to take the drug, saying: “These dangerous substances are often marketed to travellers in Peru as ceremonial or spiritual cleansers. However, Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that is illegal in the United States and many other countries.”

Furthermore, data suggests that more than half of ayahuasca users suffer from mental health problems after taking it, with one in 10 needing prolonged professional support.

This also isn’t the first time that someone has died taking the drug. In 2024, British woman Maureen Rainford died after ingesting ayahuasca.

Maureen Rainford died after taking ayahuasca in Peru in 2024 via Facebook

She was said to have collapsed 10 minutes after taking the psychedelic, dying an hour later.

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Also last year, in the same region Aaron died, a Ukrainian woman was murdered and dismembered by a tourist who had taken the ayahuasca.

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Featured image via Heah and Terpsichore on Creative Commons