Brit wellness coach dies after Kambo detox ceremony utilizing Amazon tree frog poison
Kristian Trend, 40, is believed to have taken a drug known as Kambo – traditionally used in South America for fertility ceremonies and so-called purging – during a wellness ‘detox’ ceremony in Leicester
Kristian Trend collapsed at home and later died in hospital(Image: FACEBOOK)
A British wellness coach and cancer survivor tragically passed away following an alleged “detox” ritual involving a drug derived from the lethal skin of an Amazonian tree frog.
Kristian Trend, 40, is thought to have collapsed at his Leicester flat after consuming a substance known as Kambo, traditionally utilised in South American fertility rites and so-called purging.
The drug is produced from the toxic dried skin secretions of the giant leaf frog. While Kambo has been outlawed in numerous countries, including Australia and Chile, it remains legal to buy in the UK. The grieving mother of the 40-year-old, Angie, has urged for the alternative medicine to be prohibited in the wake of her son’s untimely death last month.
Kambo has been gaining traction in Europe among individuals seeking the poisonous treatment as a wellness substance that could potentially result in “a life-changing experience”.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Angie revealed her son was “very spiritual” and had informed her he was “going to cleanse himself”, but added: “But I don’t know what happened.”, reports the Mirror.
The devastated mum confessed: “We haven’t had the test results back yet. I don’t know anything and I don’t even think I want to know what happened. It won’t bring him back.”
Angie revealed her son endured four months in hospital and nearly perished while battling Burkitt lymphoma cancer but ultimately made a recovery. Regarding his cancer struggle, Kristian had previously shared online: “At 23, I was given up to six months to live without intensive treatment. A rare cancer diagnosis forced me to choose: live in fear, or surrender to a higher purpose.
“After much travelling through India and Asia immersed in holistic wellness and meditation, the path became clear.” The heartbroken mother disclosed that his devastating death occurred during his birthday week.
While Kristian’s cause of death remains unconfirmed, should it prove connected to Kambo he could become the first British fatality from the substance. Leicestershire Police verified a man had been “taken unwell” at a Leicester residence on April 11 but subsequently passed away in hospital.
Officers confirmed a 41-year-old man was detained on suspicion of administering poison. The force stated the individual was freed on bail and an “investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing”.
Kambo, alternatively called Sapo, lacks licensing from the UK and the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency as a medicine. The MHRA similarly fails to regulate individuals who dispense the alternative substance. Mother Angie demanded the drug be prohibited, stating: “I hope they ban it, but I’m not strong enough to fight for it. My husband died six years ago at 62. I’m completely lost now.”
Kristian’s relatives have established a fundraiser supporting the Loros hospice charity in Leicestershire. In a heartfelt message they penned: “For anyone who would like to make a donation in memory of Kristian. . . We would like to raise as much money as possible for such an amazing charity that meant the world to him and us as a family. Fly high big bro. We love you always, Mum, Kayla and Bligh.”
The 40-year-old had recently unveiled a plant-based energy drink called Feel Good Polys and his relatives intend to sell the remaining inventory and donate the proceeds to charity.
The Home Office confirmed it was collaborating with health officials to scrutinise the substance. A spokesperson stated: “Our thoughts are with Mr Trend’s family and loved ones. Any substance that poses a risk to public health or safety will be kept under review.
“We urge individuals to exercise caution when considering alternative therapies and to be aware of the potential risks involved.”
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