A celebrity YouTuber, known as South Africa's Steve Irwin, has tragically died after he was bitten by a venomous snake.
Graham 'Dingo' Dinkelman sadly died on Saturday following complications after a cobra attack. He was bitten by the snake around a month ago and went into anaphylactic shock. His wife Kirsty confirmed the sad news of Dingo's death. The dad-of-three was in an induced coma and was put under heavy sedatives.
Dingo was treated in an intensive care unit. Kirsty said: "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. Sadly, despite his strength and resilience, my beloved husband passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family."
In her heartbreaking tribute, Kirsty also thanked well-wishers for their support. She added: "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." The YouTuber and wildlife conservationist was from Pietermaritzburg in western South Africa.
He was dubbed South Africa's Steve Irwin in a 2022 article and amassed a huge fanbase from across the world thanks to his videos. Dingo boasted over 100,000 YouTube subscribers as well as more than 600,000 Instagram followers. Tributes have poured in for Dingo following his death.
American YouTuber Jacob Colvin said he was saddened to learn his "his friend" had died. He called Dingo "a really kind and good-hearted man, who cared deeply about animals." Mad Paulys Reptile Removal branded Dingo “a friend of wildlife" while YouTuber Dav Kaufman paid an emotional tribute.
He said: "He fought so hard for so long. But having an allergic reaction to the venom and going into anaphylactic shock, placing him in a coma for weeks, was just too much even for the strongest of us. You’ll be very missed, my friend.”
Steve Irwin tragically died in 2006 at the age of 44 after suffering an injury caused by a stingray while filming a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef. Steve was a beloved Australian wildlife expert and TV presenter who was best known as the Crocodile Hunter. The TV star was raised in Queensland Australia and spent most of his life surrounded by various creatures, that most people are afraid of.
He made several appearances on wildlife shows before fronting a number of his own animal documentaries. Steve left behind his kids Bindi and Robert and his wife Terri. His children have been carrying on their father's legacy through conservation work. They also make sure to remember their famous dad every year thanks to Steve Irwin Day at Australia Zoo. The day "honours the life and legacy of the greatest Wildlife Warrior that ever lived".
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.
English (US) ·