Wellness Coach, 40, Dies After Family Says He Tried Drug Made from Poisonous Amazonian Tree Frog Secretions

A wellness coach in Leicestershire tragically passed away following a controversial detox treatment involving Kambo, a substance derived from the secretion of a poisonous frog native to the Amazon. Kristian Trend, aged 40, had previously battled and overcome Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer, which sparked his interest in holistic health practices and meditation.

Reports indicate that on April 11, police were alerted when Trend fell ill at a residence in Clarendon Park. First responders attempted to provide assistance, but he was later pronounced dead after being transported to hospital. According to family members, Trend participated in a “cleansing” ceremony using Kambo, traditionally used in rituals by indigenous South American tribes for its supposed purging properties.

Angie Trend, Kristian’s mother, expressed her shock and confusion following her son’s untimely death. “He was going to cleanse himself, that’s what he said to me,” she recounted. “He was very spiritual and took a lot of vitamins. But I don’t know what happened.” Despite her efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding his passing, she admitted she might not want to learn the details as they would not bring him back.

Kambo, the substance in question, is associated with numerous health risks, as outlined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Complications linked to its use can include seizures, liver failure, and even heart attacks, occasionally resulting in sudden death. Kristian’s family is currently awaiting toxicology test results which may clarify the factors contributing to his death.

Before his passing, Trend had devoted much of his life to wellness coaching, passionate about helping others lead healthier lives. His journey into holistic wellness was deeply influenced by the physical and emotional toll of his cancer treatment. The four-month hospitalization to combat Burkitt lymphoma left a lasting impression on him, igniting a quest for alternative healing methods.

“This is the worst part,” his mother lamented. “He was in the hospital for four months and got through that, and for this to happen is just awful.” She reflected on the plans they had made for his upcoming birthday, sharing how she had already bought gifts for him.

Describing her son as a “lovely, bubbly, spiritual man,” Angie highlighted his vibrant personality and popularity, noting that over 200 people attended his funeral. This illustrates the depth of the impact he had on those around him, a testament to his warm character and lively spirit.

In the wake of Trend’s death, a 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison; however, he has since been released. The investigation is ongoing as authorities explore the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.

Overwhelmed by grief, Angie Trend is now advocating for more rigorous regulations surrounding Kambo. “I hope they ban it, but I’m not strong enough to fight for it,” she confessed, reflecting on the loss of her son and her husband, who died six years ago. “I’m completely lost now.” Her sentiments reflect a call for heightened awareness and safety measures in the wellness industry, particularly concerning the use of unregulated substances.

This incident raises broader questions about the safety of alternative therapies and the need for increased oversight in an area where many seek solace and healing methods outside conventional medicine. As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young man taken too soon, while his family grapples with the fragility of life and the consequences of unregulated wellness practices.