Mexican actress Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez, 33, died Sunday after reportedly participating in a high-risk ritual involving poisonous frog venom in the Mexican state of Durango.
The actress willingly consumed the Amazonian frog venom as part of a longstanding spiritual cleansing ritual endemic to indigenous South American cultures, according to Infobae, an Argentine outlet. Rodríguez suffered a severe reaction to the poison and was taken to a Red Cross hospital, where she died.
View this post on Instagram
Rodríguez reportedly began vomiting and expelling severe diarrhea shortly after ingesting the venom, which is known to be poisonous to humans.
Jonathan Moreno, the shaman administrating the ritual, allegedly refused to allow the actress to leave for a hospital following the onset of her symptoms and fled the scene thereafter, according to the outlet. She later went to a Red Cross hospital after a friend arrived and noticed her worsening condition.
There are conflicting reports as to whether the shaman refused to allow Rodríguez to leave or if she initially refused treatment herself, with Fox News reporting the latter.
“Kambo,” the ritual substance in question, is known to be a dangerous concoction with the potential for unpleasant, even deadly side effects. The Amazonian giant monkey frog secretes a venomous substance as a defense mechanism against predators, and some humans apply the substance to their body believing it wards off bad luck and benefits health, according to Healthline.
The ritual involves drinking about a liter of water or cassava soup, then the shaman makes several minor burns to the participant’s skin. The burns develop blisters, which are later scraped off, then the Kambo is applied directly onto the open wound, the outlet reported.
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE – JULY 13: A frog is seen during the third round of the Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 13, 2024 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The Kambo then enters the lymphatic system and bloodstream, resulting in immediate side effects — principally vomiting. The participant is then given water or tea to help flush out the toxins and rehydrate their body.
Mexican production company Mapache Films confirmed the death of the young actress Monday on Instagram.
“With deep regret, today we bid farewell to our colleague and friend Marcela Alcázar, wishing also quick resignation for her closest family and friends🎥 DEP. 🙏🏾,” the statement, which was translated from Spanish to English, reads.
The production company referred to her as a “beloved friend,” and said “her passing left an immense emptiness in our hearts and in our professional community. Her dedication, joy and commitment left a profound mark on all of us who had the privilege of working beside her.” (RELATED: Alicia Silverstone Appears To Eat Highly Poisonous Berry On Video, Later Says She ‘Didn’t Swallow’)
Police are now investigating a shaman’s alleged involvement in the incident, according to Infobae.
