Enlarge (credit: Diamond Shruumz)

Authorities have identified a second death that may have been caused by Diamond Shruumz microdosing candies, which are under investigation for causing a nationwide rash of severe illnesses involving seizures, and the need for intubation and intensive care.

In an update on Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration reported that the total number of illnesses linked to the brand's candies has risen to 74 across 28 states. Of the 74 people sickened, 62 sought medical care, and 38 were admitted to a hospital. There are two potentially associated deaths that are now under investigation. The counts are up from 69 cases and 36 hospitalizations, with one potentially linked death reported in an update last week.

The FDA announced its investigation into Diamond Shruumz products on June 7, when there had been just eight cases reported from four states. The federal investigation—led by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with help from America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners—followed warnings from Arizona poison control officials.

Enlarge (credit: Diamond Shruumz)

Newly released testing data of Diamond Shruumz-brand gummies purchased in 2023 identified the presence of psilocin, a hallucinogenic drug closely related to the magic-mushroom drug psilocybin that is classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside psilocybin, heroin, and LSD.

The finding comes as Diamond Shruumz's current line of gummies, chocolates, and candy cones is being recalled and are under active investigation in connection to a nationwide rash of severe illnesses, which have involved seizures, intubation, and intensive care. As of the latest update on July 15, 69 people in 28 states have been sickened after eating a Diamond Shruumz product. Sixty of the 69 sought medical care, 36 were hospitalized, and there is one potentially associated death under investigation.

The new finding, published by researchers at the University of Virginia, of psilocin in the products adds to growing concern about psychedelic mushroom candies generally. Although the candies are marketed as being legal, they have often been found to contain various undisclosed illegal drugs or gray market synthetic versions of drugs, as well as dangerous adulterants and contaminants.