Denise Lozano, a 50-year-old member of Dr. Bronners events team known as the Foamy Homies, passed away on December 10, 2022, in her Mission Hills home shortly after receiving a ketamine massage from Christian Lee Allbert, a self-described "Quigong" practitioner from Cardiff. The lawsuit, initiated by Lozano's sister, son, and mother, claimed that the company recommended the massage to alleviate Lozano's chronic back pain, which she developed after a work-related injury.
According to the family’s allegations, the session resulted in a lethal dose of MDA, a drug similar to MDMA, leading to her accidental overdose. Allbert, who was present during the incident, contacted authorities around 6:37pm that day, but the lawsuit noted inconsistencies at the scene, suggesting possible tampering to avoid criminal liability. While Allbert faced unrelated drug charges in 2023 - pleading guilty to possession of cocaine and other substances, resulting in two years of probation - he has not been charged in connection with Lozano’s death.
Dr. Bronner’s, founded 77 years ago in San Diego by Emanuel Bronner, has long been a champion of progressive causes, including sustainability and social justice, with its Vista headquarters overseeing operations that generate approximately $200 million in annual revenue. Under the leadership of CEO David Bronner, known as the "Cosmic Engagement Officer," the company has heavily promoted psychedelic substances, donating over $14 million since 2019 to research and reform efforts.
Dr. Bronner’s, founded 77 years ago in San Diego by Emanuel Bronner, has long been a champion of progressive causes, including sustainability and social justice, with its Vista headquarters overseeing operations that generate approximately $200 million in annual revenue. Under the leadership of CEO David Bronner, known as the "Cosmic Engagement Officer," the company has heavily promoted psychedelic substances, donating over $14 million since 2019 to research and reform efforts.
Dr. Bronner’s also offers a formal ketamine-assisted therapy program through Enthea, a third-party administrator, as part of its employee mental health benefits, a policy in place since January 2022. However, the lawsuit alleged that an unregulated culture of drug use persisted within the company, particularly among the Foamy Homies, who were known for their presence at events like Burning Man and reportedly used psychedelics to enhance their experiences.
The settlement, which is for an undisclosed sum and terms, resolves claims against Dr. Bronner’s, David Bronner, his wife Mia - who manages the events team - and other employees named in the lawsuit. The company emphasized that the ketamine massage was not part of its authorized therapy program and denied that David or Mia Bronner recommended the treatment to Lozano.
The settlement, which is for an undisclosed sum and terms, resolves claims against Dr. Bronner’s, David Bronner, his wife Mia - who manages the events team - and other employees named in the lawsuit. The company emphasized that the ketamine massage was not part of its authorized therapy program and denied that David or Mia Bronner recommended the treatment to Lozano.
Both families expressed continued grief over Lozano's passing, noting her role as a cherished employee and a beloved family member. The agreement allows the Lozano family to avoid further litigation against Dr. Bronner’s, though their legal pursuit against Allbert remains ongoing, with the family seeking additional information about his involvement.
Lozano, described by her sister Raquel as a talented artist with a heart of gold, was deeply involved in community work, volunteering to build tiny homes for the homeless and supporting a nonprofit arts collaborative in San Diego. Her death has sparked broader discussions about the risks of unregulated psychedelic use in corporate settings, particularly as companies like Dr. Bronner’s advocate for their therapeutic benefits.
Lozano, described by her sister Raquel as a talented artist with a heart of gold, was deeply involved in community work, volunteering to build tiny homes for the homeless and supporting a nonprofit arts collaborative in San Diego. Her death has sparked broader discussions about the risks of unregulated psychedelic use in corporate settings, particularly as companies like Dr. Bronner’s advocate for their therapeutic benefits.
While the settlement closes one chapter, the incident continues to challenge the balance between alternative wellness practices and employee safety, leaving a lasting impact on San Diego’s business and health communities.
Originally published on March 19, 2025.