A British wellness coach and cancer survivor has died following what appears to be a “detox” ritual involving a substance 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 called Kambo, traditionally employed in South America for fertility rites and so-called purging. The substance is produced from the toxic dried skin secretions of the giant leaf frog.
While Kambo has been prohibited in numerous countries, including Australia and Chile, it remains legal to buy in the UK. The 40-year-old’s mother, Angie, has urged for the alternative remedy to be outlawed in the wake of her son’s devastating death last month, reports the Mirror.
Kambo has been gaining traction across Europe amongst those using the poisonous remedy as a wellness product that might result in “a life-changing experience”.
Angie, in conversation with The Telegraph, described her son as “very spiritual” and recounted how he told her he was “going to cleanse himself”, before adding: “But I don’t know what happened.”
View 3 ImagesThe Kambo drug is made from the poisonous skin of a Amazonian tree frog(Image: Getty Images)
The devastated mother stated: “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 had spent four months in hospital, coming perilously close to death while battling Burkitt lymphoma cancer, before ultimately pulling through.
Regarding his fight against the illness, Kristian had previously written: “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 passing occurred during his birthday week. While Kristian’s cause of death remains unconfirmed, should it be connected to Kambo, he could become the first British fatality linked to the substance.
Leicestershire Police confirmed that a man had been “taken unwell” at a property in Leicester on April 11, subsequently died in hospital.
View 3 ImagesThe Amazonian tree frog(Image: Jon G. Fuller/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Officers further disclosed that a 41-year-old man was detained on suspicion of administering poison, later released on bail, with an “investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing”.
Kambo, also referred to as Sapo, has not received backing from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency as a medicinal substance. The MHRA also does not regulate people who administer the drug.
Devastated mum Angie has called for the substance to be outlawed, saying: “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 fundraising campaign 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 lately introduced a plant-based energy drink called Feel Good Polys, and his relatives intend to sell the remaining stocks and donate the money to charity.
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The Home Office confirmed it was collaborating with health authorities to observe the substance. A representative 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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