Inquest into frog-poison death paused for new witnesses

An inquest into a man's death after taking frog-based poison kambo has been adjourned. (Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)

Fresh witnesses have come forward over the death of a man after taking poison and hallucinogens at a spiritual health retreat.

An inquest into the death of Jarrad Antonovich on October 16, 2021 was adjourned until May on Tuesday.

Publicity surrounding the inquest has led to people coming forward with information, counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer said.

"Investigators have been able to identify a number of additional witnesses who we anticipate will be able to assist," Dr Dwyer told the Coroners Court in Lismore in the NSW northern rivers region near where Mr Antonovich died.

The 46-year-old ingested the plant-based psychedelic ayahuasca and frog-based poison kambo at the Dreaming Arts Festival at an Arcoora health retreat shortly before his death.

Dr Dwyer did not have complete information about who else attended when the inquest began.

"The picture is now becoming clearer," she told the court.

"Police have taken a number of statements from members of the public who want to assist."

However, their evidence needed to be heard in the "appropriate order" out of fairness to everyone involved, she said, as the inquest seeks to get a clear picture of what happened.

"An inquest is not conducted to condemn a lifestyle or life choices but it is an important part of the coroner's function to prevent death if at all possible," Dr Dwyer said.

NSW State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan adjourned the inquest to May.

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store