Marcela attended a spiritual retreat in Durango, Mexico, aiming to undergo detoxification through a traditional ritual known as Kambo. This ritual involved applying a substance derived from the venom of the Amazonian tree frog, Phyllomedusa bicolor, directly onto her skin.
The process aimed to purge her body of toxins and psychological trauma. However, shortly after the application, Marcela began suffering from severe side effects, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being rushed to a local Red Cross hospital, doctors could not save the actress's life.
Investigation Underway After Tragic Ritual Death
Following the incident, the Attorney General's Office of the State of Durango opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Marcela's death. Authorities are now focusing on locating Jonathan Fernando, the shaman responsible for orchestrating the ritual at the retreat.
South American tribal medicinal practices have used Kambo for centuries, but it carries significant health risks, leading many countries to ban it. The adverse reactions can range from mild discomfort to severe physical responses, which can be fatal.
Investigators are scrutinizing the application of Kambo during the retreat, as it triggered such an extreme reaction in Marcela's case that ended tragically.
Film Industry Mourns Loss of Promising Actress
In response to the tragic event, Mapache Films, where Marcela had worked, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. They shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating, "With deep regret, we bid farewell to our colleague and friend Marcela Alcázar today. We also wish quick resignation for her closest family and friends."
Similarly, the Durango Film Guild released their statement on X, commending Marcela's significant contributions to various film projects and mourning the void her passing has created.
The guild noted, "She leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, working in what she loved—cinema."
Shaman's Practices Questioned After Fatal Ceremony
Authorities are urgently searching for Jonathan Fernando to better understand the events leading up to the tragedy and investigate the safety protocols followed during the retreat. This incident raises questions about the oversight of spiritual and healing retreats, particularly those involving potentially dangerous traditional practices like Kambo.
Luis Manuel Naranjo, president of the College of Psychologists of Mexico, remarked that although reactions like diarrhea and vomiting often seem part of the healing process in Kambo rituals, they can sometimes mask more severe health threats.
"Diarrhea and vomiting are considered part of the 'healing' process in a ritual," Naranjo said, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and monitoring of such practices.
Increasing Scrutiny on Unsafe Ritual Practices
The death of Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez highlights the urgent need for regulatory oversight of practices involving traditional medicines like Kambo. Her untimely passing serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with these rituals, which are often carried out without adequate medical oversight or understanding of the risks involved.
The global community, especially those participating in or operating retreats offering such treatments, must now reckon with the safety measures and legal restrictions necessary to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident casts a shadow on the use of traditional healing practices in modern contexts, calling for a balance between respecting cultural heritage and ensuring participant safety.
