Bronx Practitioner Arrested Following Fatal Anti-Aging Procedure
A 27-year-old woman died Sunday after receiving an injection at a Kingsbridge wellness center, leading to criminal charges against the facility's operator.
A 27-year-old woman died on Sunday afternoon following an "anti-aging" injection administered at the Bereshit Lifestyle Center in the Bronx, according to the NYPD. Emergency responders transported the victim from the facility to New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Police have not yet released the identity of the deceased.
Following the incident, investigators arrested Luis Rojas Cabrera, the doctor associated with the clinic. Cabrera faces charges of reckless endangerment and the unauthorized practice of a profession. While the clinic’s website identifies Cabrera as a doctor registered in the Dominican Republic, it notes that his United States credentials are limited to certifications in "holistic health" and "alternative medicine."
The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is currently conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The NYPD stated that the investigation remains ongoing.
The Bereshit Lifestyle Center, located in the Kingsbridge neighborhood, has not provided a response to multiple requests for comment. The center’s website describes its operations as providing various therapies and supplements, claiming to research natural substances that support the body’s defenses. However, the site also includes a disclaimer stating that its products and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions.
This incident follows broader municipal concerns regarding the oversight of medical and wellness services. In December 2025, the New York City Council published findings from an investigation into businesses offering medical and spa procedures—such as liposuction and other cosmetic enhancements—without the necessary professional licenses.
Where it happened
Kingsbridge, Bronx
Get the Village Briefing
Neighborhood news, mapped — in your inbox.