‘Overwhelming sadness’ teen dies after snake bite
Emily Verdouw |
A teenager has died after being bitten by a snake while in the backyard of his family home.
Sixteen-year-old Beau Horan was reportedly outside with his sister when he felt a scratch on his foot.
He collapsed about 1.50 pm on Monday and was then taken to Gladstone Hospital in Central Queensland in a life threatening condition, according to the Queensland Ambulance Service.
He was flown by helicopter to the Royal Brisbane Hospital, where he died on Wednesday afternoon.
It is reported the bite is suspected to be from an eastern brown snake.
Described as “vibrant, compassionate, loving young man” by family friend Shaun Connolly who has set up a GoFundMe to help the family cover funeral costs.
“His passing has left an indescribable emptiness in our hearts and the family,” Mr Connolly wrote.
Eastern brown snakes are considered to be the second most venomous terrestrial snakes.
A bite can lead to collapse, paralysis and cardiac arrest.
In 2023, nearly 1000 people reported eastern brown snake bites to the Queensland emergency services.
AAP