A physician who promoted spiritually focused mental health treatments is facing a manslaughter charge after a New York woman died during a wellness ceremony in Miami that involved multiple psychedelic and psychoactive substances.
Authorities allege the treatment, marketed as a pathway to emotional clarity and healing, ultimately resulted in fatal complications.
Manslaughter Charge Filed More Than a Year After Death
Samuel Lee, 44, was arraigned on Tuesday after prosecutors charged him with manslaughter in connection with the death of Tina Sodhi.
The case stems from an incident at Sabia Wellness House, where Sodhi traveled for a $2,000 “heart protocol” ceremony.
Lee, who is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, has described himself as a holistic and integrative psychiatrist who incorporates spiritual practices into mental health care.
Emergency Response at Wellness Facility
According to investigators, emergency personnel responded to the wellness center after Sodhi was found unresponsive in a sauna.
Responders discovered Lee performing CPR before she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lee reportedly informed officers that he was both a licensed physician and an elder of the Eternal Life Tribe.
He allegedly explained that the ceremony was conducted as a religious sacrament rather than as a medical procedure performed under his physician’s license.
Investigators Detail Planned Psychedelic Ceremony
Court documents state that investigators recovered messages from Sodhi’s phone outlining the ceremony in advance.
They also found a receipt showing she had paid $2,000 for the treatment.
Authorities say Lee sent Sodhi videos describing ketamine sessions as having a ceremonial purpose intended to produce mental clarity rather than hallucinations.
The material allegedly outlined the use of GABA supplements to relax the brain, multiple doses of what was described as “heart medicine” to elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, and a ketamine injection administered during the peak of the treatment.
The ceremony was promoted as lasting between four and six hours, with claims that it could provide relief from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, addiction and stress-related trauma.
Preparations Included Cleansing Regimen and Liability Waiver
Before attending the session, Sodhi was reportedly instructed to complete a gastrointestinal and parasite cleanse, with the suggestion that doing so would allow for a deeper ceremonial experience.
Investigators also say she signed a waiver acknowledging that participation was voluntary and recognizing the potential risks associated with both plant-based and Western psychedelic substances used during the treatment.
Medical Examiner Identifies Cause of Death
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner concluded that Sodhi’s death resulted from a combination of factors.
According to the findings, the mixture of ketamine, MDMA, DMT, the cleansing regimen and prolonged sauna use caused severe dehydration, which proved fatal.
The medical findings form a central part of the criminal case against Lee.
Attorney Calls Incident a Tragic Accident
Richard Cooper, an attorney representing the wellness center, expressed sympathy for Sodhi’s family while defending the broader use of alternative therapies.
He said the facility mourns Sodhi’s loss and described the incident as a tragic accident.
Cooper added that his client continues to support the use of safe and proven alternative therapies alongside conventional medical treatment.
Medical Licensing Consequences
Following Sodhi’s death, the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended Lee’s medical license.
Records also indicate that his Florida medical license is expired and listed as delinquent.
The criminal proceedings will now determine whether Lee bears legal responsibility for the fatal outcome of the ceremony.
Community Remembers Tina Sodhi
Sodhi’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from family members, friends and colleagues who remembered her for her compassion and dedication to helping others.
A founder of Art of Breath, she worked as both a yoga instructor and finance professional while actively promoting breathwork, meditation and spiritual wellness.
Friends recalled her commitment to volunteering in underserved communities and her passion for personal growth.
Many described her as a generous, uplifting presence who welcomed others with kindness and genuine care.
Others remembered her adventurous spirit, dedication to spirituality and ability to make everyone around her feel valued.
Legacy Beyond Her Final Journey
Those who knew Sodhi say her influence extended far beyond her professional accomplishments.
Friends described her as a devoted daughter, loving sister, caring aunt and loyal companion whose optimism and generosity left a lasting impression on countless lives.
As the legal case against Lee moves forward, her loved ones continue to honor the legacy of a woman they say devoted herself to healing, connection and service to others.
Summary
Samuel Lee, a physician who promoted spiritually based mental health treatments, has been charged with manslaughter after New York resident Tina Sodhi died during a $2,000 wellness ceremony at Sabia Wellness House in Miami.
Investigators allege the ceremony involved ketamine, MDMA, DMT, supplements and a cleansing regimen, while the medical examiner concluded that the combination of drugs, sauna use and severe dehydration caused her death.
Lee faces criminal proceedings as Sodhi’s family and community continue to remember her humanitarian work and commitment to wellness.
