Brian Barczyk, a globally renowned reptile enthusiast with millions of fans on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, died of pancreatic cancer after spending 10 days in hospice. He was 54 years old.
Barczyk was the founder of the Michigan-based Reptile Zoo. The zoo announced Barczyk’s death Monday via social media. Barczyk was first diagnosed on February 27, 2023.
“More than a guiding light for our organization, Brian’s fervent passion for reptiles and wildlife, along with his unwavering commitment to education, has touched countless hearts and minds around the world,” The Reptarium said in a statement.
“We have lost an exceptional person — a visionary, mentor and friend. For those of us who had the privilege of working with him, Brian’s absence leaves an immeasurable void,” the statement continued. “As we go through this difficult time, we find comfort in the memories and the lasting light of Brian’s work. He will be greatly missed, but he will truly never be forgotten.”
He first gained recognition by acting on the Discovery Channel Poison hunters In 2016, he also ran a successful YouTube channel that amassed 5.27 million subscribers.
Barczyk also founded the Reptarium Reptile Zoo and the LegaSea Aquarium — which is slated to open in the near future. Barczyk owned over 30,000 snakes, making his collection the third largest in the world.
Brian Barczyk.
Jay Tomsky
At the beginning of the month and Barczyk’s stay in hospice, the reptile lover shared an emotional farewell message on YouTube. “I really appreciate you guys. It was an amazing journey.”
As the video continued, the footage from April 2023 began with Barczyk candidly sharing that he made the video in case “things didn’t turn out so well.” He added that he hoped April’s footage would continue to “inspire millions of people who love animals”.
“I really appreciate you guys. You changed my life again without you, I wouldn’t be living the life I’m living,” Barczyk added in April 2023. “It’s been pretty spectacular.”
Barczyk’s latest video included several montages of him with several animals over the past seven years.
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Brian Barczyk.
Brian Barczyk/ YouTube
“I’m really loving life now,” he simply shared in a January 2024 clip.
“You know the only way I could possibly beat this cancer was this,” said the reptile enthusiast. “It wasn’t because I gave up. I didn’t give up. I was ready. It was such a battle … I’m telling you, I’m a tough person and I don’t know how people do it. It’s so tough.”
“I’ll be able to look down on Legase. I will be able to look down on my family and everyone I love,” he concluded in an emotional video. “I love you guys. Be good, inspire people.”
The owner of a zoo with reptiles suffering from cancer says he will not live to see the opening of his dream aquarium: ‘I don’t have much longer’
He left behind his wife of 35 years, Lori, and their two children, Noah and Jade.
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Source: HIS Education