Graham “Dingo” Dinkleman, a wildlife conservationist and YouTuber known for getting close to dangerous reptiles, died after being bitten by a venomous snake. He was 44 years old.

Dinkleman, who has been dubbed “South Africa’s Steve Irwin“, because of his similarities to the late Australian conservationist, died on Saturday, October 26, a month after he was bitten.

His wife Kirsty shared the news through a statement posted on Africa Reptiles and Venom Facebook page.

“I want to start by thanking you all for your incredible support and love that I have felt over the past few weeks; today marks one month since the incident and I have experienced so much comfort and love from your messages and prayers from all over. the world,” the statement began.

“Dingo fought incredibly hard during this very difficult time. We know he fought to be here with us and we are so grateful for that. Sadly, despite his strength and resilience, my beloved husband passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family,” she continued. “His presence brought so much warmth, love, and laughter to our lives, as well as to all who knew him, loved him, and supported him.”

IN A Instagram In a statement posted four weeks earlier on September 30, Kirsty explained how Dinkleman was bitten by a venomous snake and “due to his snake venom allergy” went “straight into anaphylactic shock”. According to Kirsty, he was rushed to hospital and put into a medically induced coma.

In a sequel Instagram post on October 9, Kirsty said Dingo was still in ICU and thanked supporters for their continued support and prayers.

Dinkleman’s Instagram pagewhich boasted 645,000 followers, was filled with photos of close encounters with giant crocodiles and deadly snakes. In one video, he was seen feeding a live python to a crocodile.

telegraph reported that Dinkleman was bitten by a green mamba, a snake that he previously highlighted on social media. According to the publication, Dinkleman was from Pietermaritzburg in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province and had three children. Rex’s son was appears regularly in his videos.

In a sad coincidence, Irwin also died at the age of 44 after a fatal encounter with animals. popular Crocodile hunter the host died after it was impaled by a stingray thorn in his chest while diving in his native Australia in 2006.

Irwin’s widow Terry and his children, bind and Robert continued their conservation mission.