‘Selfless act’: Man killed by snake while helping mate at school function

A 69-year-old grandfather who died after he had removed a snake coiled around a friend’s ankle at a Queensland park was attending a school’s 100-year anniversary with family at the time.

The men were at a celebration marking the 100-year anniversary of a school. The event is pictured above in the hours leading up to the bite.

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A 69-year-old grandfather has died after he successfully removed a snake from his friend’s leg at a Queensland school’s 100th anniversary held in a park.

On Saturday a crowd was gathered at the Koumala State School playground - about 60km south of Mackay - for its 100-year anniversary when two men were reportedly bitten about 6.30pm.

Bystanders rushed to help the men until an ambulance came, with a doctor present and a defibrillator on-hand. Paramedics then worked for about 30 minutes to try and save the 69-year-old man but he died at the scene.

Queensland Ambulance Deputy Commissioner Dr Claire Bertenshaw said the man had been bitten on the arm. She could not confirm if he had also been bitten on the chest, as first reported.

The man’s daughter said on social media her father had removed the snake and was bitten while taking it away.

“He removed the snake. He wasn’t bitten “trying” to remove it (as first reported).

“He was bitten as he was taking the snake away. I’m his daughter and I was there.’’

It’s believed the snake was an eastern brown. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

The man’s heroic efforts were praised by locals.

“So sorry this has happened to your dad, whilst he was being so selfless. We are thinking of you all at this time,’’ one posted in response to the daughter.

The other man, 65, was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition and was discharged Sunday morning.

Dr Bertenshaw said her thoughts were with the family and friends of the patient who tragically lost his life.

“There was a rapid call for an ambulance, and bystanders performed CPR immediately as the man collapsed, post the snakebite,” she said.

“Despite heroic measures by both the bystanders and the Queensland Ambulance Service, he was unfortunately unable to be revived and has passed away.

“The reports are that he was with a friend. They were actually at a 100-year celebration for the school and the snake was around his friend’s leg and he was helping remove that snake.”

Dr Bertenshaw it was hard to say what type of snake it was but due to the symptoms the man experienced they believed it was a brown snake.

Dr Bertenshaw said the man may have died so quickly because of how fast the venom spread around his body.

“The advice to people is if you are bitten by a snake, we want to try and limit the amount that it moves around your body,” she said.

“So you need to lie down and stay as still as possible.”

Dr Bertenshaw said anti-venom was being taken to the patient.

An ambulance spokeswoman on Saturday said the man’s death served as a sad reminder to be snake-aware and to avoid handling them.

A police spokeswoman said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May said she had been at the Koumala School centenary celebrations but had left early in the day before the tragedy unfolded.

“To end the celebrations of the centenary of the school in that way is such a tragedy,” she said.

“It’s been a great shock to the community”.

She said Mackay Regional Council would make sure to support the family in “any way” they can while the community would now have to “come to terms” with the event.

Mirani MP Stephen Andrew, who was also at the school centenary celebration but left before the man was bitten, offered his condolences to the man’s family.

“I’m so sorry for their loss,” he said.

“It was a beautiful day and everyone of all walks of life was there having a great time.

“This was a complete accident that could never have been predicted or prevented.

“Everyone thought they were going to celebrate a great event, this was completely unexpected.”

Environment minister Leanne Linard said her thoughts were with the man’s family and friends.

“We do know we’re going into a hot summer,” Ms Linard said.

“Snakes are out, that’s their usual behavior.

“We are hearing we will see even more activity than there has been.”

Ms Linard said it was important for people to be cautious and not approach snakes and to teach young children to do the same.

“There are professionals out there who are trained to approach and move them if that’s required,” she said.

“Call on those professionals but do not approach snakes.

Dr Bertenshaw said the best thing to do was to stay away from snakes.

“I imagine the circumstances last night, it might have been dark,” she said.

“It’s no one’s fault, it’s just a tragic event that has happened and I’m sure when you do see a snake your natural instinct is to help the person you’re with.