Wellness Coach Dies After Amazon Frog Venom ‘Kambo’ Detox Ritual

LEICESTER, UK. (THECOUNT) — Kristian Trend, a 40-year-old Wellness Coach, died after undergoing a “detox” treatment involving Kambo, a substance derived from the poisonous skin secretions of the Amazonian giant leaf frog, according to family members and reports.

Authorities said Trend became ill April 11 at a property in the Clarendon Park area of Leicester following participation in what relatives described as a “cleansing” ceremony involving Kambo.

Leicestershire Police responded to reports of an unwell man at the residence and emergency personnel treated Trend at the scene before transporting him to a hospital, where he later died.

According to the National Institutes of Health, Kambo is a secretion obtained from the giant leaf frog and has been associated with severe medical complications including seizures, liver failure, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac death.

Trend’s family told The Telegraph he had taken part in the ritual as part of a spiritual cleansing process.

“He was going to cleanse himself, that’s what he said to me,” his mother, Angie Trend, told the outlet.

Family members said Trend had become deeply interested in spirituality, meditation, holistic wellness, and alternative health practices after surviving Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

His mother said he spent four months hospitalized during his cancer battle and nearly died before recovering.

“That’s the worst part,” Angie said. “He was in the hospital for four months and got through that, and for this to happen is just awful.”

Officials said the exact cause and circumstances surrounding Trend’s death remain under investigation pending additional test results.

A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison following the incident, according to reports.

Authorities later released the individual while the investigation continues.

Trend reportedly worked as a wellness coach and was described by family as outgoing, spiritual, and widely loved in the community.

His mother said more than 200 people attended his funeral from various locations.

Kambo rituals originated in parts of South America and traditionally involve applying frog secretions to small burns or wounds on the skin during ceremonial “purging” practices.

The substance remains largely unregulated in many countries despite increasing concerns from medical professionals regarding potential health risks.

Angie Trend said she hopes future action may prevent similar deaths linked to Kambo use.

The Leicestershire Police investigation remains ongoing.

Google Maps: Clarendon Park, Leicester, United Kingdom

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