Natasha Lechner ‘kambo’ inquest: Coroner reveals findings after probe into 2019 illicit frog poison death at Mullumbimby

A Coronial inquest into the death of a Byron Shire woman who used “kambo” has confirmed a “cardiac arrest” was “triggered” by the dangerous frog poison – and “vital time was lost before triple-0 was called”.

Natasha Lechner, 39, died after taking “kambo” frog poison at Mullumbimby on the North Coast. A Coronial inquest has been probing the death, while the separate inquest into the “"kambo"” death of Jarrad Antonovich in the region continues.

A northern NSW Coronial inquest into the death of a Byron Shire woman who used “kambo” has found a “cardiac arrest” was “triggered” by the Amazonian frog poison.

Mullumbimby’s Natasha Lechner, 39, needlessly lost her life two years, seven months and eight days before the suspected tragic “kambo” death of Lismore man Jarrad Antonovich, 46.

State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan has revealed findings into Ms Lechner’s March 8, 2019 death in Mullumbimby at Byron Bay Courthouse on Friday.

An inquest is also being held into Lismore man Jarrad Antonovich’s suspected “kambo” frog poison death.

The probe confirmed the use of the poison – taken from the giant monkey tree frog – was the cause of the “kambo” practitioner’s death.

Ms O’Sullivan did not have recommendations because the manufacture, supply and use of “kambo” has become illegal since Ms Lechner’s death, and was classified as a poison in October 2021.

“While regulators must balance the risk of harm with personal liberties, it appears to me that a number of vulnerable people are drawn to using kambo in circumstances where those who administer it … lack basic training in first aid,” she said in published findings.

Ms O’Sullivan said Ms Lechner was a “gentle, bright and kind woman” who was close to her twin brother and “enjoyed poetry, storytelling (and) music”.

The poison being applied. File image.

Ms Lechner’s passing was described as a “great loss”.

Ms O’Sullivan said Ms Lechner was “deeply loved” and had been suffering “chronic health issues, which caused her back and leg pain”.

Ms O’Sullivan said Ms Lechner could not work, but used to be employed as a hairdresser.

She “became interested in alternative medicine” and “aware of “kambo”.

Ms O’Sullivan warned: “Death can occur even without pre-existing conditions.”

Findings have emerged days after the separate Lismore and Byron inquest into the death of Mr Antonovich at an alternative festival near Kyogle on October 16, 2021. It has been pushed back for more witnesses to come forward.

That inquest heard Mr Antonovich took “kambo” as well as illicit ayahuasca – a hallucinogenic – and suffered a torn oesophagus.

Byron Shire, northern NSW town Mullumbimby.

It was also heard the Northern Rivers is home to an ayahuasca “church” involving prayers and ceremonies – and “shamans” instructed followers to mix drugs in large concrete buckets.

The use of “kambo” involves inflicting small burns to the skin before the toxin is applied.

Ms Lechner was found with 61 burn marks on her body – just five were fresh.

Natasha Lechner.

Victoria Sinclair was called to give evidence at the inquest from Bali – and it was heard she administered the poison.

She told the inquest: “It seemed like some rewiring was taking place. She (Ms Lechner) was in another state of being.”

Ms Sinclair, who previously gave Lechner “kambo” as a “client”, performed CPR rather than calling emergency services for help, it was heard.

The “kambo poison” is taken from frogs.

Housemates jumped in, assisted and phoned triple-0

Ms O’Sullivan said “like Ms Sinclair”, people who take to the poison “may not prepare themselves for what to do in an emergency”.

“I note that I do not have any power to make recommendations that bind Ms Victoria Sinclair, who is not an Australian citizen and does not practice in this country,” she said.

“Without wishing to insinuate blame or shame, it is, as I have said earlier, extremely regrettable that Ms Sinclair had not equipped herself with the number for triple-0 … Vital time was lost before triple-0 was called.”

“Kambo” is claimed to have health benefits, but that has been rubbished by Australian experts.

In Ms Lechner’s case, she trained as a practitioner for a couple of months before her death and performed up to a dozen rituals, the inquest heard.

Natasha Lechner.

Ms O’Sullivan heard Ms Lechner was unaware of the health risks.

Counsel assisting Dr Peggy Dwyer previously told the inquest: “Three experts agree the cause of death was sudden cardiac arrhythmia following the administration of kambo.”

Ms Lechner’s last words were: “It’s not good.”

Kambo” is a traditional South American tribal practice, but authorities have been cracking down internationally.