'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 string of families claimed their loved ones died after performing the breathing method.

The 65-year-old is renowned for his ability to withstand extreme cold, with thousands of fans following his methods.

They say it reduces stress, boosts the immune system and even help treat cancer, diabetes and arthritis.

The Dutch motivational speaker and athlete is determined to teach as many as possible about cold therapy, which he first embraced in a bid to conquer his grief following his wife's death 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 the unusual method is alleged to have led to people dying - accusing Wim 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 a interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 64-year-old revealed how he first embraced the unusual method in a bid to conquer his grief following his wife's death in 1995 

The newspaper reported that Kellie Poole, a mother-of-three, 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 class on the method.

Soon 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 resuscitate her but she tragically died at the scene.

Her inquest heard that she had an undiagnosed heart condition and the cold water 'might have had an effect on cardiac function and might link to sudden death'.

A prevention of future deaths report was issued to warn that some people may 'experience an adverse physiological reaction to cold water immersion' which could potentially threaten their life.

Kellie Poole died on April 25 2022 during a cold water immersion session in the River Goyt

Pictured is the site 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 noted for his ability to withstand low temperatures and is determined to teach as many as possible about cold therapy

The Sunday Times used coroners' reports and interviews as well as public statements from families,  to identify 11 deaths in which the victim is believed to have tried to copy the Hof method or a similar technique.

In August 2022, 17-year-old Madelyn Metzger drowned in the family swimming pool in California trying, her father believes, to copy Hof's method. 

Raphael found his daughter face down in water and he dragged her out, tried to perform CPR and called paramedics but she sadly passed away.

He later discovered Maddie had been researching the method since 2020 and had downloaded his app the month before the incident occurred.

Her father has filed a £67 million lawsuit and is seeking an injunction that would ban Hof and his businesses from promoting his breathing method in California. 

Mr Metzger argues Wim is negligent in promoting his technique and caused death by failing to properly warn people of the risk of drowning.

In August 2022, 17-year-old Madelyn Metzger drowned in the family swimming pool in California trying, her father believes, to copy Hof's method

Hof and his business deny the allegations, arguing they had no duty of care over Maddie.

They said: 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extend our sympathies to all who have lost loved ones. The safety and wellbeing of everyone practising the Wim Hof Method is of utmost importance to us. 

'That is why we consistently emphasise safety across all our platforms, products and in every aspect of our training,' the Times reported.

They said warnings and disclaimers are used anywhere the Wim Hof Method is advertised.

 But a spokesperson added: 'It's important to note, however, that we advise against practising the Wim Hof Method for those with certain health conditions and always recommend consulting a doctor if you're unsure.'

MailOnline has approached The Wim Hof company for further comment.