IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Student Dies in Colorado Fall After Eating Pot Cookie

A 19-year-old Wyoming college student on spring break in Colorado fell to his death after eating a pot-laced cookie, the Denver coroner said Wednesday.

A 19-year-old Wyoming college student on spring break in Colorado fell to his death after eating a pot-laced cookie, the Denver coroner said Wednesday, in what is believed to be the state’s first death linked to marijuana since legalization began in January.

Levi Thamba Pongi died after falling from the balcony of a Holiday Inn on March 11. The Denver Police say they are still investigating the death, but the autopsy lists the cause of death as “multiple injuries due to a fall from height” and says “marijuana intoxication is a significant contributing factor.” The manner of death is classified as an accident.

Image: A marijuana plant grows at the River Rock marijuana growing facility in Denver
A marijuana plant grows at the River Rock marijuana growing facility in Denver on Oct. 23, 2013.Brennan Linsley / AP file

“This was not a suicide, and he was not a regular drug user,” said Michelle Weiss-Samaras, a spokesperson for the Denver coroner’s office.

Due to Pongi’s age, he still would not have legally been allowed to buy the pot cookie under the new law, which restricts marijuana sales to 21 and up. It is unclear where the cookie was obtained.