How ignoring snakebite symptoms led to boy's death

India Oct 20, 2025

In November 2021, 11-year-old Tristian James Frahm from Murgon, Queensland, died after his father and two adults confused his snakebite symptoms for signs of drinking.
After falling off a ride-on mower, Tristian became sick and tired, but the adults—thinking he'd just had alcohol—found no bite marks and told him to sleep it off.
Sadly, he was found deceased the next morning.

Tristian could have been saved with quick medical help

An autopsy later confirmed a snakebite caused Tristian's death, with no alcohol found in his system.
The coroner's report said his life could have been saved with quick medical help.
While charges against his father were dropped in April 2024, the case highlights why it's so important to recognize snakebite symptoms and act fast.