safety
Doctor charged with manslaughter over a year after woman died during psychedelic retreat in Miami Beach
By Chelsea Jones at CBS4 Miami
· July 15, 2026
· 2 min read
A doctor accused of administering drugs during a psychedelic treatment ceremony in Miami Beach that resulted in a woman's death is facing a manslaughter charge, more than a year after the incident occurred.Dr. Samuel Lee, 44, was arrested on a second-degree felony manslaughter charge in connection w
Key takeaway Samuel Lee, 44, was arrested on a second-degree felony manslaughter charge in connection with the February 10, 2025, death of Tina Sodhi, according to an arrest warrant obtained by CBS News Miami.
Why this matters in The Miami
The charges against Dr. Samuel Lee raise concerns about the regulation of alternative wellness treatments in Miami Beach, a city that attracts people from around the world seeking unique spiritual and therapeutic experiences. The fact that a wellness retreat was operating in a residential area, offering treatments that involved powerful substances like MDMA and ketamine, highlights the need for stricter oversight of such facilities. Miami Beach's reputation as a hub for wellness and self-improvement may be attracting unlicensed or unqualified practitioners, putting participants at risk. The city's police department and health authorities must work together to ensure that these types of retreats are operating safely and within the bounds of the law, particularly in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, where such facilities may be more likely to operate under the radar. The community will be watching to see how the case against Dr. Lee unfolds and what steps the city takes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A doctor accused of administering drugs during a psychedelic treatment ceremony in Miami Beach that resulted in a woman's death is facing a manslaughter charge, more than a year after the incident occurred.Dr. Samuel Lee, 44, was arrested on a second-degree felony manslaughter charge in connection w
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chelsea Jones at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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