'South Africa's Steve Irwin' dies after venomous cobra bite as family pays tribute - Daily Star

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South Africa’s answer to Steve Irwin has died after he was struck by one of the world’s most deadliest snakes.

Celebrity snake handler Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkleman died last Saturday due to complications from a cobra bite he suffered a month ago. The YouTuber had an allergic reaction to the venom and went into anaphylactic shock.

The dad-of-three from Pietermaritzburg was no stranger to deadly reptiles, handling cobras, black mambas, vipers and even crocodiles for the delight of his fans. For his brazen antics and thrilling reptile rescues, Dingo gained more than 100,000 followers on YouTube and over 600,000 Instagram fans.

READ MORE: Brit uni student discovers breed of 'hidden' snake that likes to live in attics

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Wife Kirsty said Dingo was put into an induced coma while in intensive care, with the hope he would recover while under and sedated.

In a statement, Kirsty confirmed her husband’s death. It read: “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.”

She added that her family have “experienced such comfit and love from your messages and prayers from all over the world”.

Tributes have have poured in for the animal lover, who has been described as a “truely special person”.

One devastated fan said: “Rest in peace Dingo, it takes a truly special person to leave so many thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people utterly devastated by your passing. Your enthusiasm and passion for life was and will always be truly inspiring”.

Another commented: “Rest in peace to the most genuinely happy person and the funniest person ever. We will all miss you Dingo, but we will keep your legacy going. Fly high Dingo.”

A third fan wrote: “Rest in peace man. I wish those you left behind the best. You died doing something you loved and taught so many people along the way. Much love.”

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