‘The Iceman’ Wim Hof accused of promoting ‘dangerous’ cold water therapy after string of families claim their loved ones died after performing the breathing method
‘The Iceman’ Wim Hof has been accused of promoting ‘dangerous’ cold water therapy after a series of families claimed their loved ones died after performing the breathing method.
The 65-year-old is known for his ability to withstand extreme cold, with thousands of fans following his methods.
They say it reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and even helps treat cancer, diabetes and arthritis.
The Dutch motivational speaker and athlete is determined to educate as many people as possible about cold therapy, which he first embraced in an attempt to overcome his grief after the death of his wife in 1995.
His first wife Marivelle-Maria died by suicide after suffering from schizophrenia, leaving Wim to raise their four children alone.
But now the Sunday Times reports that the unusual method is said to have led to people’s deaths – with Wim accused of acting recklessly by failing to warn of the risks.
‘The Iceman’ Wim Hof has been accused of promoting ‘dangerous’ cold water therapy after a string of families claimed their loved ones died after performing the breathing method
In an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 64-year-old revealed how he first embraced the unusual method in an attempt to overcome his grief following the death of his wife in 1995.
The newspaper reported that mother-of-three Kellie Poole collapsed and died in a river in Derbyshire after embracing the trend.
In April 2022, the 39-year-old joined her friend Victoria Fielding at the River Goyt in the Peak District for a two-hour lesson on the method.
Shortly after entering the cold water, she began complaining of a headache before collapsing.
She was pulled from the water and another member of the class desperately tried to revive her, but she tragically died at the scene.
Her inquest heard she had an undiagnosed heart condition and that the cold water ‘may have had an effect on cardiac function and may have been related to sudden death’.
A report to prevent future deaths was released to warn that some people ‘may experience an adverse physiological response to cold water immersion’, which could potentially threaten their lives.
Kellie Poole died on April 25, 2022 during a cold water immersion in the River Goyt
Pictured is the location of the water breathing therapy class in High Peak, Derbyshire, where the mother-of-three tragically died
Cold therapy: The Dutch motivational speaker and athlete is known for his ability to withstand low temperatures and is determined to teach as many people as possible about cold therapy
The Sunday Times used coroner’s reports and interviews and public statements from families to identify eleven deaths where the victim is said to have attempted to copy the Hof method or a similar technique.
In August 2022, 17-year-old Madelyn Metzger drowned in the family pool in California while, according to her father, trying to copy Hof’s method.
Raphael found his daughter face down in the water and he dragged her out, attempted CPR and called paramedics, but unfortunately she died.
He later discovered that Maddie had been researching the method since 2020 and downloaded his app the month before the incident occurred.
Her father has filed a £67 million lawsuit seeking an injunction banning Hof and his companies from promoting his breathing method in California.
Mr Metzger claims that Wim is negligent in promoting his technique and has caused deaths by not properly warning people of the risk of drowning.
In August 2022, 17-year-old Madelyn Metzger drowned in the family pool in California while, according to her father, trying to copy Hof’s method.
Hof and his company deny the allegations, arguing that they owed no duty of care to Maddie.
They said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extend our condolences to all who have lost loved ones. The safety and well-being of everyone who practices the Wim Hof Method is of the utmost importance to us.
“That’s why we consistently emphasize safety across all our platforms, products and in every aspect of our training,” the Times reported.
They said warnings and disclaimers are used wherever the Wim Hof Method is advertised.
But a spokesperson added: ‘It is important to note, however, that we do not recommend practicing the Wim Hof Method for people with certain health conditions and always recommend consulting a doctor if you are unsure.’
MailOnline has contacted the Wim Hof company for further comment.