A man has died after trying a trendy ‘detox’ using a drug made from poisonous Amazonian tree frog skin just days before his birthday.
Kristian Trend, 40, is believed to be the first Briton to die after using Kambo – a drug which is a secretion of an amphibian traditionally used by indigenous Amazon tribes.
It is used in ‘purging’ and fertility ceremonies, however it is poisonous and can lead to tachycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting and sometimes bowel movements.
In more serious cases, Kambo can lead to fatalities, with the drug having been associated with ‘sudden death’.
Mr Trend is reported to have collapsed last month during a ‘cleansing’ ceremony in Leicester, during which he took Kambo.
Police responded to reports that a man was ‘unwell’ on April 11 at a flat in Clarendon Park in Leicester.
But the wellbeing coach and cancer survivor tragically died.
He had been in hospital for four months prior as he was battling Burkitt lymphoma, a type of cancer characterised by rapid tumour growth often affecting the jaw, abdomen, or central nervous system.
Kristian Trend, 40, is believed to be the first Briton to die after using Kambo – just days before his 41st birthday
The wellbeing coach told his mother he was ‘going to cleanse himself’
Mr Trend’s mother, Angie, has now called for the use of Kambo to be outlawed following her son’s tragic death.
She told The Telegraph: ‘He was going to cleanse himself, that’s what he said to me. He was very spiritual. He took a lot of vitamins. But I don’t know what happened.
‘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.’
She added that the ‘worst part’ was he had been in hospital fighting cancer and ‘got through that’.
The grieving mother said: ‘For this to happen is just awful. It was his birthday the week after and I’d bought all these presents.’
Mr Trend’s family have now set up a tribute page following his death. In a post on his Facebook page, a younger sibling appears to have written: ‘For anyone who would like to make a donation in memory of Kristian, you can follow the link below.
‘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.’
Mr Trend was described as a ‘wonderful man who died too young’
One person wrote on the tribute page: ‘To dear Angie and Kayla – my love and support goes to you all.
‘I’m so sorry for your tragic loss of dear Kristian. Forever loved and never forgotten.’
Another said: ‘Thank you for the friendship, memories and good times Kristian. You’ll be greatly missed.’
A third wrote: ‘I am so sorry for your loss. No one teaches you how to prepare (for) the tough times in life.’
Meanwhile a fourth said: ‘Taken from his family and friends way too young. Forever in our thoughts, from your family in Oz.’
And a fifth wrote: ‘A wonderful man who died too young and will remain always in our hearts. Forever the older cousin, big Kristian to my children.’
A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison following Mr Trend’s death and has since been released on bail.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: ‘An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing.’
Kambo, sometimes known as Sapo, is not a licensed medicine in the UK – and those who administer it are not regulated by the Healthcare Regulatory Agency.
A government spokesperson said ‘any substance that poses a risk to public health or safety will be kept under review’.
A coroner has been notified about Mr Trend’s death and an inquest is expected to be opened.
His cause of death is not yet known – but toxicology tests are being carried out to establish how he died.
