27-Year-Old Woman Dies After Anti-Aging Injection at Bronx Wellness Center; Police Arrest Unlicensed Doctor Luis Rojas Cabrera

A 27-year-old woman died after receiving an anti-aging serum injection at the Bereshit Lifestyle Center in the Bronx, New York City, on Sunday, prompting police to arrest Luis Rojas Cabrera, 55, who investigators said practiced medicine without a U.S. medical license. Elizabeth Baron lost consciousness shortly after the treatment and was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at about 1:10 p.m. Police charged Cabrera with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession, while the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates the cause of Baron's death through toxicology testing.

ABC7 New York reported that Elizabeth Baron, 27, became unresponsive shortly after receiving an anti-aging serum injection at the Bereshit Lifestyle Center on Riverdale Avenue near West 232nd Street in the Bronx on Sunday. Staff called emergency services, and Baron was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at about 1:10 p.m.

The New York Post reported that police arrested Luis Rojas Cabrera, 55, later that day on charges of reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession. Investigators said Cabrera is licensed to practice medicine in the Dominican Republic but does not hold a U.S. medical license. His website describes him as "an active surgeon and Naturopath in the Dominican Republic and an alternative and holistic medicine practitioner in the United States."

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner is conducting toxicology tests to determine the contents of the injected serum. According to The New York Post, the findings could help determine whether prosecutors pursue additional charges against Cabrera.

ABC7 New York reported that Cabrera identified himself on the Bereshit Lifestyle Center's website as an "M.D., Surgeon, Naturopath." His biography also claims he received training in head and neck, bariatric, and laparoscopic surgery, as well as alternative, integrative, and naturopathic medicine in Israel, France, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The website further states that he has performed more than 6,000 surgeries.

The wellness center's website says it offers natural medicine, therapies, supplements, and extracts. It also includes a disclaimer stating that its products and therapies "have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration" and "are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

Authorities have not publicly disclosed what substance was injected into Baron, and investigators are awaiting toxicology findings as part of the ongoing death investigation.

Also see: Unlicensed Retatrutide: How an Illegal Weight-Loss Drug Sparked Dangerous Side Effects and a Viral Hair-Loss Nightmare

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner continues to investigate Elizabeth Baron's death while toxicology testing remains underway. According to The New York Post, citing law enforcement sources, the results could determine whether prosecutors file additional charges against Luis Rojas Cabrera.

The Bronx District Attorney's Office had not announced an arraignment date for Cabrera at the time of reporting, while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal anti-aging serum injection.

(Rh/TP/MSM)