Snake handler killed.

[7sdad]

Eugene De Leon was bit on the shoulder during a show in Freer.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/rattlesna...144307836.html

[tfrye]

That's sad to hear

In no way do I intend to be disrespectful but the phrase "play stupid games win stupid prizes" comes to mind.

[Lungbustr]

Do they not keep antivenom on hand when doing this stuff?

[Big Al]

Growing up in Freer, the Round Up was the biggest event of the year we looked forward to back in the 70's and 80's.
I'm surprised accidents like this haven't occurred more often.
My brother texted me yesterday to inform us of the tragic incident.
He was told Mr De Leon collapsed shortly after being bitten.
Is it possibly the fang hit the artery??

[Farmdog]

I witnessed a bite there back in the day, the guy slid into a sleeping bag with them and got bit. I don’t understand why folks get a thrill by that stuff . I feel bad for his friends and family. RIP

[Geezy Rider]

Originally Posted by Lungbustr

Do they not keep antivenom on hand when doing this stuff?

I was a snake handler for years and when we were putting on a Roundup we would let the local hospital know to be prepared for venomous snake bites. Never happened though.
On the other hand, I had to wear a alert bracelet just in case because I’m allergic to anti venom so I’ve just got to tough it out.

[SmTx]

Originally Posted by Lungbustr

Do they not keep antivenom on hand when doing this stuff?

My understanding is not all hospitals even have it on hand.

[Shane]

I don't understand why anyone would do that. Prayers sent for his family.

[tdwinklr]

Originally Posted by SmTx

My understanding is not all hospitals even have it on hand.

have heard that as well.
But isn't dying from a snakebite here in the US actually pretty rare? (Rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, etc.)

[myway]

Originally Posted by Geezy Rider

I was a snake handler for years and when we were putting on a Roundup we would let the local hospital know to be prepared for venomous snake bites. Never happened though.
On the other hand, I had to wear a alert bracelet just in case because I’m allergic to anti venom so I’ve just got to tough it out.

I am curious to hear how you learn you are allergic to antivenom. I assume there is only one way but I am curious to hear it.

[jerp]

Is it common for these guys to hold a snake up at shoulder level like that?

[ttaxidermy]

When the "Hey y'all watch this" ends tragically.. It can happen.

Sad deal all the way around.
Prayers for the family..

[Hogmauler]

Some bites may take dozens of vials to survive. Depends on the victim, the type of venom (neurotoxin or hemotoxin) size of the viper or amount of envenomation. I have no idea how much of that the insurance company would pick up either. Personally I don’t think they should be responsible for an individual behaving irresponsibly be it a rattlesnake roundup or snake handlers in a church service. Some body is footing the bill and it’s probably the tax payers.
My son and I go to reptile shows and I am absolutely amazed that Joe Average can go to a show and purchase a Bushmaster, King Cobra, Diamondbacks, virtually any type of viper. You gotta hope they don’t get out and injure or kill the neighbors. Crazy stuff.

[hot_rod_eddie]

I wanted to feel bad for him but agree with post #2. Feel bad for his family though.
Left Texas 6 years ago but when I read this, first thing I thought was to go to TBH and see what others are saying.

[Geezy Rider]

Originally Posted by myway

I am curious to hear how you learn you are allergic to antivenom. I assume there is only one way but I am curious to hear it.

I’m allergic to tetanus shots and anti venom is made the same way. It’s an animal serum derivative and those are a no no for me.

[7sdad]

Looks like his son was bitten a few years ago.

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...Eugene+De+Leon

[DirtyDave]

Originally Posted by Hogmauler

or snake handlers in a church service....

huh?

[ateagleton]

Originally Posted by Geezy Rider

I’m allergic to tetanus shots and anti venom is made the same way. It’s an animal serum derivative and those are a no no for me.

Historically, tetanus vaccines used a horse serum. This has not been the case for some time for both the toxoid and anti toxin. Antivenom now uses sheep serum. So you may not be allergic to the modern antivenoms. Sheep serum generally causes much fewer side effects than the horse serum that antivenom used to be produced from.

[Hogmauler]

Originally Posted by DirtyDave

huh?

Some churches in the eastern portion of the country handle snakes as a test of their faith. Several have been bitten by Eastern Diamondbacks and died. The verse they base this off of is found in Mark 16:18. One of the last guys to get bit was named “Skeeter”. Lol

[Geezy Rider]

Originally Posted by ateagleton

Historically, tetanus vaccines used a horse serum. This has not been the case for some time for both the toxoid and anti toxin. Antivenom now uses sheep serum. So you may not be allergic to the modern antivenoms. Sheep serum generally causes much fewer side effects than the horse serum that antivenom used to be produced from.

That’s good to know, thanks for the info. I was told that being allergic to one animal serum made it highly likely I would be allergic to others. Although I don’t work the snake pits anymore, I do still hunt them. I should see about getting tested.
Years ago I had a ER doctor give me a shot made of duck embryos and that just about put me on the slab. That’s twice I’ve been at deaths door because of my allergy. So I’m a little nervous about any animal serum but I will look into getting tested.

[DEADEYE1]

I was at the ranch this weekend and we saw a helicopter fly by smoking fast. He was headed straight to town. My wife said man I hope some people didn't get in a fight or a guy got bit by a rattlesnake.

We got there about 6pm and my neighbor that was working the event told me about it. Later on he told me the man had passed So sad! prayers for family, friends and loved ones!!!!!!

[Hogmauler]

Geez I think the name of one that’s in my wife’s ER is Crofab. Very expensive vials.

[Geezy Rider]

Originally Posted by Hogmauler

Geez I think the name of one that’s in my wife’s ER is Crofab. Very expensive vials.

10-4,Thanks.

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by Big Al

Growing up in Freer, the Round Up was the biggest event of the year we looked forward to back in the 70's and 80's.
I'm surprised accidents like this haven't occurred more often.
My brother texted me yesterday to inform us of the tragic incident.
He was told Mr De Leon collapsed shortly after being bitten.
Is it possibly the fang hit the artery??

Some people are just highly allergic. Same thing can happen with anything whether it's snakes or a wasp. Anything venomous. Some people it'll make sick,some people go into anaphylactic shock and die when bit or stung.

[Hogmauler]

Originally Posted by okrattler

Some people are just highly allergic. Same thing can happen with anything whether it's snakes or a wasp. Anything venomous. Some people it'll make sick,some people go into anaphylactic shock and die when bit or stung.

Very true. I have a tree nut allergy that will put me six foot under.

[S-3 Ranch]

Originally Posted by Hogmauler

Some churches in the eastern portion of the country handle snakes as a test of their faith. Several have been bitten by Eastern Diamondbacks and died. The verse they base this off of is found in Mark 16:18. One of the last guys to get bit was named “Skeeter”. Lol

There was a church in kerrviile on goat creek road that had snake dancing during the services , I think the snakes died during the 2021 freeze when the power went out .

[Hogmauler]

Wow. That was a heck of a freeze. Power poles snapped. A friend of mine lives up there on 67 acres and they were without power for two weeks.

[HeyMikey]

It's a shame the man died, but come on........if you mess with the bull enough, sooner or later, you're gonna get the horns.

[dbaio1]

Originally Posted by Shane

I don't understand why anyone would do that. Prayers sent for his family.

This ∆∆∆∆ never understood it, never will for reasons just like this. RIP and prayers 🙏🙏 for the family.

[Lonestar_HOYT]

Crofab is the anti venom and it is extremely expensive. Hospitals try to just keep enough on hand until they can get more as needed. On average, rattlesnake bite will use $70-80K just in the crofab.

[louieagarcia]

Terrible, prayers for his family

[kmitchl]

Originally Posted by Lonestar_HOYT

Crofab is the anti venom and it is extremely expensive. Hospitals try to just keep enough on hand until they can get more as needed. On average, rattlesnake bite will use $70-80K just in the crofab.

Daughter got bit by a copperhead two years ago. She got four vials of antivenom at $5500 each. $55,000 for about six hours in the ER. As I understand the ER docs try to avoid giving the antivenom since many people are allergic to it.

[SharpEnd]

Originally Posted by Lonestar_HOYT

Crofab is the anti venom and it is extremely expensive. Hospitals try to just keep enough on hand until they can get more as needed. On average, rattlesnake bite will use $70-80K just in the crofab.

I've seen posted hospital bills that were in excess of $100k for snake bites. Its no wonder that they don't keep much on hand. Avoid getting bit at all costs if you can.

[DRT]

I've caught several rattle bugs and copper heads over the years. There's no playing or "handling". Catch, pics and lopped off behind head. Still, dumb. But can't say it won't happen again.
Was it a bad way to go? Maybe. But I'm pretty sure cancer, parkinson's, AIDS and other ways ain't no picnic either. Like the report said. He went out doing what he enjoyed.

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[Hogmauler]

IMO, it’s just not worth the risk of handling or keeping any venomous reptile. Period.

[okrattler]

I've been to a few different snake hunts and I really don't enjoy the ones where dare devil stunts are performed. It sends the wrong message to people. I don't care how much of a professional you are or think you are. People getting bit on a regular basis will get a snake hunt shut down quicker than anything. Treating the snakes with disrespect will too. Rattlesnake hunts are how a lot of small towns make most of their money so they can't afford for them to get shut down do to blatant disrespect towards the snakes or carelessness when handling them. These events need to be more of a focus on education instead of showing off. Because it doesn't look good.

The snake hunt in Sweetwater is a good example of what will be the demise of these traditions in Oklahoma and Texas both. They don't do anyone any favors by clowning around with these snakes or putting their hand prints on the wall using the blood from the snakes. That's frickin stupid as crap. Some of us actually enjoy the sport in it. These ain't animals to just go out and jack with and show your ignorance towards in front of the whole world. And it ends up in front of the whole world. People like filming at these events so folks need to keep that in mind. I don't want stupidity from someone else reflecting on me.

And I've heard about how things are done in Freer. Kissing snakes on the head and all that crap. If you don't want to get bit,keep your hands off em. If you're gonna act a fool with em do us all a favor and don't. If you're scared of the outcome don't do it. Because it can happen and it will if you're messing around.

[3ChordTruth]

Originally Posted by louieagarcia

Terrible, prayers for his family

X2, RIP, very sad that he died this way.

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by 3ChordTruth

X2, RIP, very sad that he died this way.

Sad yes, but foreseeable. Nobody should be surprised if a snake handler gets killed by a snake. That's kind of like being surprised when a guy that skydives hits the ground without a parachute......it's sad. But not totally shocking. He knew the dangers.

I can think of worse ways to go out. I snake hunt, I might get killed by a snake someday. No harm,no foul. Life goes on.

[Backwoods101]

Originally Posted by okrattler

I might get killed by a snake someday. No harm,no foul. Life goes on.

That’s not how it works buddy…that’s not how any of this works


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[okrattler]

Originally Posted by Backwoods101

That’s not how it works buddy…that’s not how any of this works


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's exactly how it works. I've lost people and my world kept going whether I was sad or not. Same would happen for the people that care about me. Same as it will happen to the family and friends of the guy that got bit and died. So if it did happen to me I'd rather people just went on about their day never giving it a second thought. Being sad doesn't do nothin for nobody and it wouldn't be on anyone but me. So why be sad about it? Obviously life wouldn't go on for me at that point. But my death wouldn't stop the world from moving forward. I'm not so arrogant as to think my life means much more than a spec of sand on the ground. I'm a very small part of this world. Most people if not everyone you see from day to day are.

Babies are born every day. We're all replaceable.

[Black Ice]

Originally Posted by okrattler

That's exactly how it works. I've lost people and my world kept going whether I was sad or not. Same would happen for the people that care about me. Same as it will happen to the family and friends of the guy that got bit and died. So if it did happen to me I'd rather people just went on about their day never giving it a second thought. Being sad doesn't do nothin for nobody and it wouldn't be on anyone but me. So why be sad about it? Obviously life wouldn't go on for me at that point. But my death wouldn't stop the world from moving forward. I'm not so arrogant as to think my life means much more than a spec of sand on the ground. I'm a very small part of this world. Most people if not everyone you see from day to day are.

Babies are born every day. We're all replaceable.

**** dude that’s ****ed up. You may not care about your life but losing a child, parent or sibling is not easy.


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[Blessed to hunt]

Yeah it may seem stupid , and maybe stupid but people die hunting every year we all got to go sometime, sorry for his family and friends and sorry for him , y'all be safe and blessed , don't do nothing stupid

[HeyMikey]

Originally Posted by Blessed to hunt

don't do nothing stupid

You mean like handling poisonous snakes all of the time??

[okrattler]

Originally Posted by Black Ice

**** dude that’s ****ed up. You may not care about your life but losing a child, parent or sibling is not easy.


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Sometimes the truth is jacked up. Never said I don't care about my life or that it's not hard to lose someone. But I know that if I die doing what I love to do I don't expect a bunch of people to sit around and cry about it. Like it'll solve anything whatsoever. At that point will I be worth crying over? My soul won't be in the body they're crying over. At that point it's no different than crying for a rock.

Like I said we're all replaceable. Gotta watch what you're doing. If you don't pay attention that's what happens.

[GA Bowhunter]

Originally Posted by Lungbustr

Do they not keep antivenom on hand when doing this stuff?

The article I read stated they don't keep the AV on hand because of the costs associated(2-4k per vial, up to 50+ vials needed, need a doc on hand too) and the incidence of allergic reactions. They only administer it in a hospital setting.

It also stated where you get hit matters. You want to get hit far away from the brain.

[RLB]

Originally Posted by Geezy Rider

I’m allergic to tetanus shots and anti venom is made the same way. It’s an animal serum derivative and those are a no no for me.

If bit by a rattlesnake, what do you have to lose?

[bboswell]

Originally Posted by RLB

If bit by a rattlesnake, what do you have to lose?

Getting bit is not an automatic death sentence even without AV.

[Still Hunter]

Thoughts and prayers out to the family. Each one of us could die each time we get in a vehicle to just drive down to the convenience store. We never know when it is going to happen.

A buddies son in law, big boy too, about 6'3" and 290, got hit on the foot walking past his shed about 5 years ago. It took 7 vials ( at $5,500.00 each) to keep him from dying. It was not a large snake by the fang marks. They never found the snake. His yard now all around his house is manicured like a golf course. No high grass any where.

[4barchery]

The anti-venom is very expensive. At my Abilene and Brownwood hospitals, we would order a lot in February. That was when lots of guys came out to the deer lease for turkey season and get their camp in order after the fall hunting season. Most of the bites we saw were on the hand from guys that were picking up something in tall grass. Any children's bites were mostly on the legs

We only kept so much on hand and we knew that some of them would need to be transferred to DFW or Lubbock if they needed a hand surgeon.

Those that didn't need any special surgery, we would admit to the ICU at least to watch them overnight. Physicians were nervous that venom and or anti-venom would cause cardiac problems.

I know some patients had hell with their insurance because they were "out of network" since they lived in DFW, Austin, or San Antonio. I had to sign a statement for one guy that we were the only hospital in a certain area that kept more than two vials of crofab on hand.

[ultrastealth]

Originally Posted by tfrye

That's sad to hear

In no way do I intend to be disrespectful but the phrase "play stupid games win stupid prizes" comes to mind.

This