Koumala snake hero Don Morrison to be farewelled at Mackay service

A 68-year-old grandfather who went into cardiac arrest and died at a school centenary reunion south of Mackay after pulling a snake off a mate’s leg will be honoured this week.

The area at the Koumala State School, which was celebrating its 100th year, where the tragedy happened. Photo: Toby Crockford

Donny Morrison, the man who died after removing a snake from a mate’s leg and carrying it away from a crowd of people, will be farewelled in a special ceremony on Thursday.

The 68-year-old grandfather went into cardiac arrest about 6.30pm on Saturday, September 9, at the Koumala State School centenary reunion, about 60km south of Mackay.

Donald (Donny) Morrison died after he successfully removed a snake from his mate's ankle at Koumala. Picture: Serene Funerals - Facebook.

Witnesses believed he had been bitten by a suspected eastern brown snake after he successfully removed it from his mate’s ankle.

However, last Thursday his family released a statement saying the coroner’s office had confirmed there was no snake venom in Mr Morrison’s system and it is believed an underlying medical condition may have caused his death.

A Serene Funerals notice posted on Monday said Mr Morrison will be farewelled at a service on September 21 at 10am at the Ian Phillips Crematorium on Malin Road at Sarina.

“Donald James Morrison – loved by many,” the notice read.

“Husband of Leanne, son of Gordon and Daphne (both deceased). Pop of Aiden and Isaac, Lindley, Tyler, Ella and Brady, Matilda (Tilly) and Eleanor.

“Father and father in law of Megan and Graham, Nicky, Brittany and Tim. Brother and brother in law of Patricia and Ian, Trevor, David and Linda, Heather, Jason and Jodi.”

Sarina Crocodiles Rugby League Club president Shannon Cleary paid tribute to Mr Morrison, who was a previous coach.

The club has produced the likes of North Queensland Cowboys and Queensland Maroons forward Reuben Cotter, and dual code legend Wendell Sailor.

“Don was a committed coach of the Sarina Juniors Under 9, 10s and 11s team in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Multiple of these players have progressed through to the Sarina Seniors to be successful players,” he said.

Mr Morrison’s friend – Lloyd Younger, 65 – was also bitten that day, but it is believed his was a dry bite. He was taken to Mackay Base Hospital and released the next day. He declined to speak about the incident when contacted recently.

A picture from earlier in the day of Koumala State School’s centenary celebrations.