- Kristian Trend, a 40-year-old wellness coach, died after participating in a kambo detox ceremony in the UK.
- Kambo is a toxic secretion from the giant monkey frog, used in a controversial cleansing ritual.
- Trend's death is under investigation, with a man arrested on suspicion of administering poison.
UNITED KINGDOM — Months after a woman was accused of throwing a 25-pound weight plate at a romantic rival inside a Texas gym, another wellness-related story is drawing attention. This time, a 40-year-old wellness coach died after taking part in a dangerous “detox” ritual involving poisonous frog toxin.
Kristian Trend had recently recovered from Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive type of blood cancer. After his recovery, he became deeply interested in holistic wellness and alternative medicine. He later took part in a kambo cleansing ceremony in the UK.
What Is Kambo?
Kambo is a waxy poison secreted by the giant monkey frog, also known as the giant leaf frog, in South America. The frog uses the toxin to protect itself from predators.
During a kambo ceremony, people usually drink a large amount of water. Small burns are then made on the skin with a hot stick. The frog toxin is placed on those open burns.
The ritual often causes vomiting and diarrhea. Supporters claim this “cleanses” the body, but health experts say there is no proven evidence that kambo has medical benefits.
Serious Health Risks
Kambo has been linked to dangerous reactions, including seizures, liver failure, heart problems, and death.
Experts say the toxin can cause confusion, memory problems, weakness, and other severe effects. In some cases, the physical stress from the ritual can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Similar deaths have been reported before. In Australia, Natasha Lechner died after using kambo in 2019. Jarrad Antonovich also died after taking kambo during a retreat in 2021.
Mother Says He Wanted to Cleanse Himself
Trend’s mother, Angie, said her son was spiritual and took many vitamins. She said he told her he was going to “cleanse himself.”
She also said the loss is especially painful because Trend had survived cancer only months earlier.
Trend was known online as “Kristian The Feel Good Guy.” He shared wellness advice and owned a plant-based energy drink company.
Death Under Investigation
Trend’s death is now being investigated. People reported that police responded on April 11 after he became unwell, and a 41-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of administering poison before being released while the investigation continues.
Kambo is banned in some countries, including Brazil, Chile, and Australia. It is not banned in the UK, but officials have warned people to be careful with alternative therapies that may put health and safety at risk.
Trend’s mother said she hopes the substance will be banned so other families do not go through the same pain.
To view more cases involving dangerous wellness trends, risky rituals, and shocking health-related deaths, check out our video here:
