Gap-year student from Bristol dies in Colombia 'tribal ritual' Published duration 26 April 2014

image copyright SWNS image caption Mr Miller died in a rainforest area of the South American country

A teenager from Bristol has died in Colombia while apparently taking part in a tribal ritual.

Henry Miller, 19, died in the rainforest after reacting to a plant infusion he drank during the ritual, his family said.

Parents David and Elizabeth Miller said he had ventured into a remote part of the rainforest to take part in a shaman ritual.

Mr Miller's body was found on Wednesday in the Putumayo region.

His family described him as "an adventurous person who travelled extensively".

'Exceptionally sad news'

They said in a statement: "In the last 48 hours we received the exceptionally sad news that our son Henry has died whilst travelling in Colombia.

"We understand that he took part in a local tribal ritual.

"The ritual involves a drink made from local plant infusions.

"We are awaiting further information from the Foreign Office, but it is likely that a reaction to this drink was the cause."

The Foreign Office said it was "aware of the death of a British national in Colombia " and was assisting his family "at this very difficult time".

Mr Miller, who came from the Kingsdown area of Bristol, had been expected to go to university in September.

Related Topics Colombia