Sad story,but Ayahuasca is remarkably safe.
See what the reporter didn't report in that story is that the shamans tend to add additional plants to the mix.Like some shamans will add some tobacco not even measuring dosage.An overdose of nicotine will kill you easily.Basic Ayahuasca is B cappi vine,and Psychotria Viridis.Just mixing those two plants wont cause any adverse reactions as long as the person taking it has followed a certain diet,and not being on any medicine.