A celebrity Youtuber dubbed South Africa’s Steve Irwin has died after he was bitten by a venomous snake.
Snake handler Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman died last Saturday after complications from a cobra bite.
The father-of-three, from Pietermaritzburg, was bitten by the snake around a month ago and went into anaphylactic shock after he had an allergic reaction to the venom.
Dingo’s YouTube channel is filled with videos of him handling dangerous reptiles including cobras, black mambas, vipers, pythons and crocodiles.
His wife Kirsty said he went into an induced coma while being treated in an in intensive care hospital unit.
While under heavy sedatives it was hoped that his body would recover but Kirsty later confirmed the tragic news about his death.
Tributes have been pouring in for Dingo, with his wife Kirsty saying: ‘Dingo fought incredibly hard throughout this very difficult period.
‘We know that he was fighting to be here with us and we are so grateful for this.
Snake handler Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman died last Saturday after complications from a cobra bite (pictured)
The father-of-three, from Pietermaritzburg, was bitten by the snake around a month ago and went into anaphylactic shock after he had an allergic reaction to the venom
‘Sadly, despite his strength and resilience, my beloved husband passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family.’
Kirsty thanked well-wishers for their support and said: ‘Today [Saturday] is one month since the incident, and we have experienced such comfort and love from your messages and prayers from all over the world.’
Dingo grew popular for his daring rescues of dangerous reptiles and had amassed more than 100,000 YouTube subscribers and over 600,000 Instagram fans.
Commenting on his most recent video, Dingo’s followers paid tribute to a ‘happy’ and ‘funny’ man who had a real passion for animals.
One user said: ‘I’m so devastated! I’ve been watching Dingo for years. His passion for animals and personality was an absolute gift to watch. I can’t believe he’s gone. First Brian, now Dingo.
Dingo’s YouTube channel is filled with videos of him handling dangerous reptiles including cobras, black mambas, vipers, pythons and crocodiles
Video footage showed Dingo handling a dangerous cobra around a month ago, the video remains on his YouTube channel
‘They were both the reason I got over my fear of snakes and now keep them as pets.
‘I know those two legends are up there together, and Dingo is back with his father.
‘My heart absolutely breaks for Kirsty and the kids. Rip Dingo, you will forever be missed!’
Another person said: ‘RIP Legend! Your knowledge and enthusiasm really helped me develop a love and respect for snakes. I will miss your videos in my feed.’
‘One of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
‘The world has just suffered an incredible loss. A truly great soul. His impact and legacy will live on for generations to come. But he went to rest way to you.
‘Prayers for Kirsty and the kids,’ said another.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
