Tragic Death of 11-Year-Old Australian Boy from Untreated Snake Bite: A Preventable Loss

An 11-year-old Australian boy tragically lost his life after being bitten by a snake when his father mistakenly dismissed his symptoms and advised him to "sleep it off" instead of seeking immediate medical assistance.

According to coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard's report released last week, Tristian Jaemes Frahm died from extensive internal bleeding caused by brown snake envenomation. The incident occurred on November 21, 2021, in Murgon, a rural Queensland town located approximately 257 kilometers from Brisbane.

The coroner's 22-page report emphasized that "Tristian's death may have been prevented had he received early medical attention," highlighting "the importance of taking even the possibility of snakebite seriously."

Reports indicate that Tristian was bitten after falling off a riding mower. When informed about the potential snake bite, his father Kerrod Frahm and two other adults examined the boy for bite marks. Finding no "obvious puncture marks," they decided not to investigate further.

Kerrod Frahm informed officials that he believed his son was intoxicated, which he thought explained the boy's symptoms. He subsequently told Tristian to "sleep it off." However, post-mortem examination revealed no alcohol in the boy's system.

The inquest noted, "It can never be known to what extent Tristian was affected by alcohol, if at all, at that time," adding that "it is possible he could have entirely [metabolised] any alcohol consumed earlier."

After being sent to bed, Tristian experienced symptoms including vomiting and stomach pain. Police who arrived at the property shortly after 9 am on November 22, 2021, discovered the boy deceased, lying on his back under a sleeping bag outside.

Authorities found "two marks on Tristian's right ankle consistent with a snakebite" when examining the body.

Initially, Kerrod Frahm faced manslaughter charges, but the case was discontinued in April of the following year. The reasons for dismissing the charges remain unclear.