A Texas spa owner has been indicted on multiple charges, including felony murder, in connection with the tragic death of a woman who received an intravenous (IV) therapy treatment that led to her sudden cardiac arrest. Jenifer Cleveland, 47, died on July 10, 2023, just one day after praising the spa on Facebook for making her feel “beautiful.”
A Fatal IV Treatment
Cleveland visited The Luxe Medspa By Amber Johnson on July 10, 2023, seeking IV therapy, which involved an infusion of multiple vitamins and electrolytes. However, things went tragically wrong.
According to the Texas Medical Board, the therapy was administered “too quickly” and in an unsafe manner, causing Cleveland to go into sudden cardiac arrest — a known risk when certain medications are administered too quickly.
The infusion, which included a combination of Vitamin B complex, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), and TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) electrolytes, was particularly risky. The TPN electrolyte solution, which requires a prescription, contains potassium chloride and can cause complications if not properly administered.
Within moments of receiving the treatment, Cleveland was found unresponsive. Luxe Medspa staff attempted CPR and called 911. Cleveland was rushed to Parkview Regional Hospital in Mexia, Texas, but despite resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead at 12:24 p.m. that same day.
Charges and Allegations Against Amber Johnson
Amber Johnson, the owner of Luxe Medspa, has been indicted by a grand jury on several charges related to Cleveland’s death. These charges include:
- Felony murder
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Manslaughter
- Delivery of a dangerous drug
- Tampering with or violating physical evidence
- Practicing medicine without a license
According to court documents and statements from the Texas Medical Board, Johnson is accused of practicing medicine without a license and administering dangerous drugs, including the TPN electrolytes, which caused Cleveland’s death. The board described the procedure as unsafe, with Johnson administering prescription medications without the proper training or medical supervision.
The medical board further revealed that Johnson was performing IV treatments, a practice requiring medical licensure, without the necessary medical personnel present.
At the time of the fatal incident, Michael Patrick Gallagher, the medical director for Luxe Medspa, was over 100 miles away and failed to properly supervise Johnson. Gallagher’s medical license has since been suspended for failing to ensure that the procedures were being conducted safely.
Lack of Medical Oversight and Protocols at Luxe Medspa
The Texas Medical Board’s investigation found that Luxe Medspa lacked the proper policies, procedures, and protocols for safely administering IV therapy.
They also noted that the “protocols” Luxe did have were vague and not directed at staff or meant to inform the spa’s personnel about proper IV treatment administration. This lack of oversight contributed to Cleveland’s tragic death.
The board emphasized that the TPN electrolyte solution administered to Cleveland is known to cause complications, particularly due to the potassium chloride it contains, which can be dangerous if not properly monitored.
Legal Status of Amber Johnson
Amber Johnson has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses in connection with Cleveland’s death. She is currently out on a $69,000 bond. Her attorney was unavailable for comment as of Thursday, and the prosecution is being handled by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Ongoing Investigation
As the case continues to unfold, authorities are investigating the specifics of how the treatment was administered and whether further medical negligence was involved. The charges against Johnson paint a picture of a business operating without proper medical supervision, putting the safety of its clients at risk.
This case highlights the dangers of unlicensed medical practices and the consequences of not adhering to medical standards when administering treatments. The outcome of the trial will likely have implications for other businesses in the wellness and spa industry offering similar treatments.
