Investigation Launched into Costa Rican Hotel Following Death of U.S. Tourist Using Iboga
Major findings of the case raise questions about safety protocols at retreat centers promoting psychoactive treatments.
The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) in Costa Rica has completed its inquiry into the death of Lauren Levis, a U.S. tourist who died in a hotel while reportedly using iboga, a psychoactive substance.
The investigation culminated on March 13, 2024, when OIJ forwarded its findings to the local Prosecutor's Office after approximately eight months of investigation.
Levis arrived in Costa Rica on August 2, 2024. She checked into Soul Centro Iboga Retreat the following day, as stated on the facility’s website, which outlined a scheduled retreat starting August 3. According to available information, Levis participated in a ceremonial event on the evening of August 4, which began around 8:00 p.m. Participants in such rituals typically ingest iboga root, known for its potent effects, including nausea and vomiting.
Reports indicate that during the ceremony, a processed variant of iboga called 'total alkaloid' may have also been administered, as this form is thought to be more manageable for digestion.
Witnesses reported that Levis exhibited signs of distress during the event, leading her to request intravenous (IV) fluids due to severe dehydration.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, at roughly 6:00 a.m. on August 5, Levis's health appeared to deteriorate.
Family accounts describe her low blood pressure as complicating attempts to administer the IV fluid.
Subsequently, Levis was moved to her room's shower, where she reportedly suffered a heart attack between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
In the wake of her death, her family expressed dissatisfaction with the facility’s response, noting a lack of communication from staff after the incident.
They reported being informed of the situation through a brief email, followed by difficulties in reaching the retreat center by phone.
Levis had reportedly paid around $4,000 for the retreat, which involved treatments with ibogaine, a substance derived from a shrub and noted for its psychoactive properties, yet is banned in Costa Rica.
The retreat had been advertised as a center for rehabilitation utilizing ibogaine on various travel platforms, including Tripadvisor and Retreat Guru.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion regarding the legal and safety implications of such retreat centers in Costa Rica, particularly concerning the use of unregulated psychoactive substances.
The investigation culminated on March 13, 2024, when OIJ forwarded its findings to the local Prosecutor's Office after approximately eight months of investigation.
Levis arrived in Costa Rica on August 2, 2024. She checked into Soul Centro Iboga Retreat the following day, as stated on the facility’s website, which outlined a scheduled retreat starting August 3. According to available information, Levis participated in a ceremonial event on the evening of August 4, which began around 8:00 p.m. Participants in such rituals typically ingest iboga root, known for its potent effects, including nausea and vomiting.
Reports indicate that during the ceremony, a processed variant of iboga called 'total alkaloid' may have also been administered, as this form is thought to be more manageable for digestion.
Witnesses reported that Levis exhibited signs of distress during the event, leading her to request intravenous (IV) fluids due to severe dehydration.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, at roughly 6:00 a.m. on August 5, Levis's health appeared to deteriorate.
Family accounts describe her low blood pressure as complicating attempts to administer the IV fluid.
Subsequently, Levis was moved to her room's shower, where she reportedly suffered a heart attack between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
In the wake of her death, her family expressed dissatisfaction with the facility’s response, noting a lack of communication from staff after the incident.
They reported being informed of the situation through a brief email, followed by difficulties in reaching the retreat center by phone.
Levis had reportedly paid around $4,000 for the retreat, which involved treatments with ibogaine, a substance derived from a shrub and noted for its psychoactive properties, yet is banned in Costa Rica.
The retreat had been advertised as a center for rehabilitation utilizing ibogaine on various travel platforms, including Tripadvisor and Retreat Guru.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion regarding the legal and safety implications of such retreat centers in Costa Rica, particularly concerning the use of unregulated psychoactive substances.
