Man killed by deadly snake while pulling it off friend's leg at school party

The 69-year-old Australian suffered cardiac arrest and died in front of horrified onlookers, including his own daughter. Experts believe a brown snake could be the culprit.

The brown snake has deadly venom that can kill in minutes (stock image) (

Image: Getty Images/RooM RF)

A man has died after being attacked by a snake in front of horrified spectators at a festive event at an Australian school.

The 69-year-old, whose name has not yet been released, was in the middle of a heroic act when he was bitten at the 100th anniversary celebration of Koumala State School in central Queensland. He had spotted the reptile wrapped around his friend's ankle and had just managed to remove it when it struck. He was bitten several times on the arm and suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite desperate attempts by paramedics and other responders to resuscitate him, he died at the scene.

The festivities at the Koumala public school before the tragedy (

Image:

Karenmaymackay/Facebook)

Doctors are still unsure of the exact species of the snake, but it has been suggested that the symptoms he exhibited indicate a bite from a brown snake. Brown snakes possess deadly venom that can quickly lead to paralysis, severe bleeding, kidney damage, muscle weakness, neurological symptoms and cardiac effects. The man's friend, also aged in his 60s, was also bitten and was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition. He has since returned home.

Following the tragedy, the snakebite victim's daughter, who witnessed her father's death, spoke about it on social media. "He removed the snake. He was not bitten while trying to remove it (as first reported)," she wrote. "He was bitten while he was taking the snake away. I'm his daughter and I was there." A friend wrote: "Handsome gentleman and friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Sincere condolences to his beautiful wife and family."

Local MP Stephen Andrew told the Courier Mail: “This is a complete accident which could never have been predicted or avoided. Everyone thought they were going to celebrate a big event, it was completely unexpected. » Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council, K...