Vangel Missios: Family’s heartbreak after Taradale man killed by snake

Family and friends have spoken of their heartbreak after a loving dad from central Victoria was killed by a snake, collapsing unaware he had even been bitten.

Anet Moran said her partner of 27 years, Vange Missios died after being bitten by a snake on Wednesday May 12. Picture: Zizi Averill

A Taradale landscaper killed by a snake in Central Victoria has been remembered as a man with two loves in his life — his family and the outdoors.

Vangel ‘Vange’ Missios, 49, collapsed in a Castlemaine tip not knowing he had been bitten by a snake hours earlier.

Paramedics spent an hour and a half trying to restart the father’s heart, which stopped three times on his way to hospital.

Following the cardiac arrest he was put on life support for nine days before he died.

His partner of 27-years, Anet Moran, said all he would have felt was a scratch when he was bitten.

But the tiny fatal injury means she will now have to raise their 10-year-old daughter Evie alone.

Evie remembered her father as simply the “best dad ever”.

“Dad was a creative thinker,” she said.

“He was a hardworking, talented musician, stubborn, loving, great mate, legend, (who) eats brussels sprouts, a perfectionist, tall at six foot one, a Bunnings lover, grumpy, caring, (and) great fixer and mender.”

Ms Moran said she remembered her partner as a “hardworking, fun guy” who loved the outdoors and was adored by his daughter.

Taradale mother Anet Moran and her daughter Evie, 10. Picture: Contributed

Ms Moran said medical professionals have since confirmed he was bitten by a snake but are unsure by what species.

Her friend, Drummond’s Claire Rawlinson, said the rural community, 50km south of Bendigo, was shaken by Mr Missios’s sudden death.

“They always put their hand up to help others,” Ms Rawlinson said.

Ms Rawlinson said his death was a tragic reminder to country Victorians to be vigilant about snakes all year-round.

Greater Bendigo Snake Control owner Tameeka Stevens said there were about 3000 snakebites each year in Australia resulting in 300 to 500 hospitalisations, but deaths were “extremely rare”.

Ms Stevens said it was common for people to think they were scratched by a stick when bitten.

Vangel 'Vange' Missios, 49, died nine days after being bitten by a snake. Picture: Contributed

Taradale Primary School principal Chris Burgess said the 95 students, their parents and the surrounding community were using the school as a “conduit” to help the family recover.

“Anet and Evie were back (seven years ago) when there was only two kids at the school,” Mr Burgess said.

Ms Moran’s friends Lauren Jensen and Ms Rawlinson have created a My Cause fundraiser to help Mr Missios’ family.

In less than 48 hours the campaign raised $10,000.

Anet Moran, Taradale Primary School principal Chris Burgess and Claire Rawlinson are raising awareness of the dangers of snakes. Picture: Zizi Averill

Mr Missios died on May 20 after being bitten on bitten on May 12.

To donate to the My Cause fundraiser, visit MyCause.com.au