Man died in Thames after taking magic mushrooms

A 21-year-old chef died in the River Thames after taking a large quantity of magic mushrooms, an inquest has concluded. Joe Emanuel Cuaspa Vargas was seen struggling in the water near the London Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park in June 2025 before his body was recovered four days later.

The Inner West London Coroners’ Court heard that Mr Vargas had been with a group of about 20 people on June 2. Friends reported that he had consumed a substantial amount of psychoactive mushrooms shortly before jumping into the river.

Witness accounts of the incident

Yasmin Anderson, who was running along the Thames path, told the court she saw Mr Vargas in distress. She initially thought he was swimming but soon realised he was struggling. Ms Anderson observed him on his back, appearing to swallow water, and then flailing. She reported hearing him shout words she could not understand in English, and the last thing she saw was his hat floating.

Detective Constable Sam Chell informed the court that Mr Vargas had jumped into the Thames on his own. He stated that while the group had been taking magic mushrooms, there was no indication anyone was forced to do so. Mr Vargas had taken a quantity of the drug just prior to entering the water. The officer added that Mr Vargas had suffered a 'mental decline' between taking the drug and entering the river, with no prior history of similar behaviour.

One of Mr Vargas’ friends was later arrested for possession with intent to supply, the court was told.

Coroner's findings

A toxicology report confirmed the presence of psilocin, the primary psychoactive chemical in magic mushrooms, in samples taken from Mr Vargas. Cannabis metabolites were also found. His cause of death was recorded as immersion in water.

Coroner Sophie Mortimer recorded a conclusion of misadventure. Addressing Mr Vargas’ parents, she expressed her condolences for their loss and acknowledged the difficulty of listening to the evidence.

Family concerns

Mr Vargas’ family raised criticisms regarding the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the case. They cited issues with the identification of his body and the time taken to confirm his remains. The family also reported problems with a family liaison officer who reportedly went on holiday without being replaced.

A fundraising page set up in Mr Vargas’ memory has raised nearly £5,000.