Homicide investigation launched over Collins Creek NSW ritual frog poison death of Jarrad Antonovich, 46

Six months on from a lengthy inquest, homicide detectives have launched a probe into a man’s death after he consumed ‘kambo’ frog poison at a bizarre retreat in northern NSW.

Kambo frog poison ritual. Picture: iStock.

Six months on from a lengthy inquest, homicide detectives have launched a probe into a man’s death after he consumed ‘kambo’ frog poison and ayahuasca at a bizarre retreat in northern NSW.

Jarrad Antonovich, 46, died while taking part in the ritual ceremony at Arcoora Arts & Eco Retreat at Collins Creek, north of Casino in October 2021.

The inquest heard Mr Antonovich suffered from horrid symptoms for an agonising 12 hours.

Witnesses said Mr Antonovich had “frog-face” and looked like he had been blown up by a “basketball pump” before he died of a 4cm tear to his oesophagus, likely caused by vomiting.

In May of this year, the Coronial inquest held at Lismore and Byron Bay into the Lismore man’s death was suspended and investigations were kicked over to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Now, charges may finally be forthcoming.

A Coronial inquest at Lismore heard Jarrad Antonovich died as a result of a perforation or tear to his oesophagus, likely caused by vomiting induced by his consumption of ayahuasca and kambo.

On Friday, NSW Police confirmed they were appealing for information in relation to Mr Antonovich’s “suspicious death” and homicide detectives were on the case.

Casino detectives raided the Collins Creek property about 9.45am on Thursday, with specialist police rescue, forensics and technical officers taking part.

It comes as police have urged anyone with more information to come forward.

Outside court during the inquest, Mr Antonovich’s family expressed “relief” over the matter being handed to the DPP. Jarrad’s father Glen Antonovich said it had been an “ordeal” for the family.

“We’re just relieved some action (may be) taken,” he told this publication in May.

Mr Antonovich’s brother Chris Antonovich said the family wished that “no one has to go through what we’ve been through”.

“We want these ceremonies stopped so no one else’s life is taken,” he said.

Kambo frog poison is used as a traditional medicine in purging or cleansing rituals, and is a derivative from the skin secretions of the Amazonian giant leaf frog.

In humans it can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

The poison has been linked to two deaths in northern NSW in recent years.

Know more? Contact Casino police, or phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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