theguardian.com
Death at Spiritual Retreat Prompts Manslaughter Investigation
A man died after consuming Amazonian medicines at a spiritual retreat in Australia; a coroner's inquest suggests negligent manslaughter.
English
United Kingdom
HealthInvestigationDeathManslaughterRetreatSpiritual
Nsw State CoronerNsw Director Of Public Prosecutions
Jarrad AntonovichSoulore "Lore" SolarisCameron KiteTeresa O’sullivanGlen Antonovich
- What was the cause of Jarrad Antonovich's death?
- Antonovich's death was attributed to a tear in his esophagus. While varying accounts of the timeline exist, it's undisputed he received kambo in the morning and ayahuasca in the evening.
- What were the circumstances surrounding Jarrad Antonovich's death?
- Jarrad Antonovich died during a spiritual retreat involving ayahuasca and kambo ceremonies. A NSW coroner believes there is enough evidence to suggest negligent manslaughter, prompting a police investigation.
- What prompted the suspension of the inquest into Antonovich's death?
- The inquest into Antonovich's death was suspended because the evidence suggested negligent manslaughter by a known individual. The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions has six months to decide whether to file criminal charges.
- Were there any allegations of a cover-up surrounding Antonovich's death?
- Several witnesses reported being told not to discuss Antonovich's death or the use of the illegal substances. Antonovich's father believes there was a cover-up, while the retreat's organizer denies these allegations.
- What was the initial report given to emergency services regarding Antonovich's condition?
- Paramedics arrived to find Antonovich unresponsive and deceased; the initial report was of an asthma attack, but the cause of death was an esophageal tear. Concerns about his reaction to kambo were raised during the day, but no one called an ambulance.