Jarrad Antonovich inquest: More witnesses after Dreaming Arts Festival ‘kambo’ frog poison, ayahuasca death in northern NSW

The family of a Lismore man who lost his life after taking “kambo” frog poison and hallucinogenic ayahuasca at a northern NSW retreat will wait even longer for answers. Here’s the latest on the probe.

“Shaman” Soulore ‘Lore’ Solaris’ lawyer disputed claims at the inquest his client tried to prevent word of the death spreading. Picture: Facebook.

The family of a Lismore man who suffered horrendously and lost his life after taking “kambo” frog poison and psychedelic ayahuasca at a northern NSW retreat will wait months longer for answers.

At Lismore Local Court on Monday, the inquest into the death of Jarrad Antonovich, 46, at the Dreaming Arts Festival near Kyogle on October 16, 2021 briefly resumed.

Jarrad Antonovich. Picture: Supplied

Counsel assisting the Coroner Dr Peggy Dwyer SC said the manner of death was “now becoming clearer”.

But the probe by State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan was adjourned to May because more witnesses have come forward with fresh information.

The event run by “shaman” Soulore ‘Lore’ Solaris, the inquest has heard. Picture: Facebook.

The inquest at Byron Bay and Lismore has heard “shaman” Soulore ‘Lore’ Solaris was “leader” of the retreat and his “inner circle” of followers mixed ayahuasca in “concrete buckets”.

Northern NSW has an ayahuasca psychedelic drug “church”, according to the inquest, which involves praying and ceremonies.

Mr Antonovich deteriorated towards midnight after he had the “kambo” dabbed into skin burns and drunk the ayahuasca plant mix.

Oganisers at Mr Solaris’ retreat allegedly watched him suffer for almost 12 hours before an ambulance was called, the inquest heard.

Laara Cooper, who the inquest heard also acted as a “shaman”.

According to one witness, Mr Antonovich “looked like a frog” because his face and neck were so swollen. Another said it seemed as though he had been blown up with “a basketball pump”.

It was alleged at inquest Mr Solaris strummed on a guitar and continued performing as bystanders provided medical aid.

Lismore’s Jarrad Antonovich.

Dominique Vollaers, one of the so-called “guardians” at the festival, testified last Thursday that she became aware Mr Antonovich had collapsed when she heard a loud “bang”.

“I felt he left his body straight away after he fell,” she said.

Mr Vollaers said this was why she said “no to the CPR” and remained in the hall while an ambulance was called, “holding the calm, the beauty”.

Cameron Kite allegedly administered the “kambo”, the inquest was told.

Central themes at the Coronial inquest were the need to call an ambulance earlier and whether there was any hesitancy for attendees to talk to authorities after Mr Antonovich’s death.

Mr Antonovich is believed to have died of a perforated, or torn, oesophagus from vomiting – and it would have been preventable if an ambulance was called sooner, the inquest heard.

He was in pain and suffering for hours before he died.

Ms O’Sullivan said she hoped the inquest would underscore the importance of seeking medical help when needed.

She acknowledged the fear illegal drug users may feel, but said “paramedics aren’t there to prosecute people”.

Mr Solaris outside Lismore Courthouse during the inquest.

In a particularly unsettling scene last week, festival attendee Garth Brewin re-enacted Mr Antonovich’s wheezing and restricted breathing while the deceased’s family members watched on.

Mr Brewin told the inquest the ayahuasca ceremony had “a weird energy” because “everyone knew it was f--ked, what was going on”.

He also told the inquest Mr Solaris warned attendees they should keep the circumstances to themselves.

It was claimed by Mr Brewin the “shaman” said “something along the lines of ‘let’s protect our family, we don’t want to damage … (the) good work of ayahuasca’.”

Mr Solaris’ lawyer Alex Radojev disputed that allegation.

“Kambo” frog poison being applied to the body.

In another emotionally charged moment last week, Aldo Dezani, a “guardian”, turned to Mr Antonovich’s family and, through tears, apologised for what happened.

“I’m so sorry this has happened and I hope that something good … can come from this,” he said.

“I truly believe that everyone really tried to do their best”.

In response, Mr Antonovich’s father Glen said it took nine days for his son’s body to be transported back to Victoria and he was barely contacted by those behind the retreat.

“I accept your apology … but we will never, ever, ever forget the circumstances that my son … died in,” he said.

No one has been charged.

The inquest is set to resume at Byron Bay in May.

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Originally published as Jarrad Antonovich inquest: More witnesses after Dreaming Arts Festival ‘kambo’ frog poison, ayahuasca death in northern NSW