A British wellness coach and cancer survivor, died after an apparent detox ceremony involving Kambo — a drug derived from the poisonous skin of an Amazonian tree frogElizabeta Ranxburgaj and Matt Jackson Live News Network Reporter
17:15, 24 May 2026
Kristian Trend collapsed at home and later died in hospital(Image: FACEBOOK)
A wellness coach and cancer survivor has died following an apparent “detox” ceremony involving a drug derived from the lethal skin of an Amazonian tree frog.
Kristian Trend, 40, is believed to have collapsed at his flat in Leicester, in England, after consuming a substance known as Kambo, traditionally used across South America in fertility rituals and so-called purging ceremonies.
The drug is produced from the toxic dried skin secretions of the giant leaf frog. Kambo has been outlawed in numerous countries, including Australia and Chile, yet remains legal to purchase in the UK.
The 40-year-old’s mother, Angie, has called for the alternative medicine to be banned in the wake of her son’s tragic death last month.
Kambo has been steadily growing in popularity across Europe, with people using the dangerous substance as a wellness treatment, claiming it can deliver “a life-changing experience”.
The Kambo drug is made from the poisonous skin of a Amazonian tree frog(Image: Getty Images)
Angie, speaking to The Telegraph, revealed her son was “very spiritual” and had told her he was “going to cleanse himself”, adding: “But I don’t know what happened.”, reports the Mirror.
The devastated mother said: “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 spent four months in hospital and came close to death while battling Burkitt lymphoma cancer before eventually making a recovery.
Regarding his cancer ordeal, Kristian had previously written online: “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 devastated mother also disclosed that his tragic passing occurred during his birthday week.
While Kristian’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed, should it be linked to Kambo, he could become the first British fatality associated with the drug. Leicestershire Police confirmed that a man had been “taken unwell” at a property in Leicester on April 11 but subsequently died in hospital.
Secretions from the frog are used to make the drug(Image: Mikael Drackner via Getty Images)
Police further revealed that a 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison. The force confirmed the man was released on bail and that an “investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing”.
Kambo, also known as Sapo, has not been licensed by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency as a medicine. The MHRA also does not regulate those who administer the alternative substance.
Mum Angie called for the drug 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 family has established a fundraiser in support of the Loros hospice charity in Leicestershire. In a heartfelt tribute, they wrote: “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 recently launched a plant-based energy drink called Feel Good Polys, and his family intends to sell the remaining stock and donate the proceeds to charity.
The Home Office confirmed it was collaborating with health officials to keep a close eye on the substance. A spokesperson said: “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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