Kids found in 'zombie state' after allegedly eating mushroom-laced chocolate at New Jersey YMCA summer camp; 13 children fall ill as police launch investigation

A medical emergency was reported at New Jersey summer camp after 13 children reportedly became sick from suspected mushroom-laced chocolate, according to ABC News. One of the parents, Cynthia Cunningham, told the media outlet that the kids looked like 'zombies' and she rushed to the hospital after learning her 12-year-old daughter had been affected.

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"When I arrived, there were 13 children, they looked like zombies. It was sad really sad. This shouldn't happen. We send our kids to summer camps so that they can have something productive to do during the summer and the YMCA's mission statement says that they cultivate a safe space and this was the opposite."


"I got there my daughter was destroyed very emotional she thought she was in trouble. We were in the car she would shift her body to one side."

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13 campers fall ill after suspected mushroom-laced chocolate incident

Authorities in East Orange, New Jersey, are investigating after 13 children attending a YMCA summer camp allegedly consumed suspected mushroom-laced chocolate handed out by another child.

The incident unfolded shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday at the YMCA summer camp on North Arlington Avenue. Police responded after receiving reports that multiple children were feeling unwell.

According to investigators, one child first complained of feeling sick after consuming the suspected edible. Soon afterward, 12 other campers reported similar symptoms.

Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene and evaluated the children, who ranged in age from 10 to 13.

Officials said all of the children were in stable condition. One child was taken to University Hospital as a precaution because of a preexisting medical condition.

YMCA says emergency protocols were activated immediately

According to officials, camp counselors noticed a child handing out candy, something the YMCA says is against camp policy.

In a statement, the YMCA said staff acted quickly once they realized children were having an adverse reaction.

"Later when staff noticed campers having an adverse reaction to the substance, we immediately enacted our emergency protocols, contacting emergency services, parents and the police."

Emergency responders, parents and law enforcement were notified as soon as the situation became apparent.

Police identify suspect but no charges filed yet

East Orange Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi said investigators are treating the case seriously.

"This incident is deeply concerning, particularly because it involves the safety and well-being of children. The East Orange Police Department takes incidents involving suspected controlled substances extremely seriously. Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what occurred, how these suspected edibles came into the possession of a juvenile, and whether any criminal offenses were committed. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the safety of our youth and to hold anyone responsible accountable under the law."

Police have identified a suspect, but no charges have been filed as the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities are trying to determine how the suspected mushroom-laced chocolate reached the camp and whether any criminal offenses were committed.

Police urge parents to speak with children about unknown food

Following the incident, investigators reminded parents and guardians to educate children about the dangers of accepting food, candy or other products from unknown sources.

Anyone with information related to the case has been asked to contact the East Orange Police Department as detectives continue their investigation.

While all 13 children are expected to recover, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the growing availability of edible products that may contain psychoactive substances and the risks they pose when they fall into the hands of minors.