• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
YouTuber Graham 'Dingo' Dinkelman dies aged 44 after being bitten by venomous snake

Home> News> World News

Updated 10:14 31 Oct 2024 GMTPublished 10:15 31 Oct 2024 GMT

YouTuber Graham 'Dingo' Dinkelman dies aged 44 after being bitten by venomous snake

The legendary conservationist died following the fatal encounter with a green mamba last month

Joe Yates

Joe Yates

Featured Image Credit: dingo_dinkelman/Instagram

Topics: YouTube, Animals, Steve Irwin, Social Media, Africa

Joe Yates
Joe Yates

Joe is a journalist for UNILAD, who particularly enjoys writing about crime. He has worked in journalism for five years, and has covered everything from murder trials to celeb news.

X

@JMYjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

A YouTuber dubbed 'South Africa's Steve Irwin' has died following a month-long coma he was placed in due to a deadly encounter with a snake.

Graham 'Dingo' Dinkelman was just 44 years old when he died on Saturday (October 26) after falling into anaphylactic shock when he was bitten at his home by a green mamba, one of the world's most venomous snakes.

Graham 'Dingo' Dinkelman has died at the age of 44 following a fatal encounter with a green mamba (Instagram/dingo_dinkelman)
Graham 'Dingo' Dinkelman has died at the age of 44 following a fatal encounter with a green mamba (Instagram/dingo_dinkelman)

According to The African Snakebite Institute, the reptile 'rarely accounts for bites in southern Africa, as it lives in thick coastal bush, which it is quick to disappear into', with 'most victims are bitten on a hand' while trying to catch the animal.

Advert

Posting on his Instagram on September 30, his wife Kirsty explained: "This last week, Dingo had a venomous snake bite which, unfortunately, due to his allergy to snake venom, sent him straight into anaphylactic shock."

The conservationist, of Pietermaritzburg in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, ran specialist breeding programs for endangered species, such as reptiles and amphibians, as well as a wildlife educational facility aimed at children.

Tragically, Dingo left behind his wife and three children, Taylor, Maddy, and Rex.

Speaking to South African outlet IOL, Kirsty said: "His love for all animals was legendary, with videos of handling crocodiles, snakes, and a variety of African wildlife propelling him to internet fame.

"Our three children, Taylor, Maddy, and Rex, were central to Dingo, and he never missed an opportunity to express his love and pride for his family. Working together, we recently started a new YouTube channel, ‘The Dinkelmans’, which focuses on wholesome family content, animal adventures, and conservation.

Advert

“His presence has brought so much warmth, love, passion, and laughter to our lives, as well as all of those who knew him, loved him and supported him. We love you Dingo and we will always celebrate your incredible impact on each of our lives."

In 2017, the content creator first reached a global audience after a series of YouTube videos of his encounters with South African wildlife saw him win the '#BreakTheNet' competition held by Cell C and Blink Pictures.

Dingo was likened to legendary Aussie conservationist Steve Irwin (Instagram/dingo_dinkelman)
Dingo was likened to legendary Aussie conservationist Steve Irwin (Instagram/dingo_dinkelman)

His enthusiasm for his job and how he presented his shows drew comparison to the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin - who also died at the age of 44, when he was struck by a stingray while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef back in 2006.

Advert

Speaking per The Telegraph, Dingo said in an interview last year: “My passion, my calling, the reason I have been put on the face of this earth, is to get animals into people’s lives.

“I’ve always believed that we need to convert the unconverted, to reach people who’ve had absolutely no experience with nature and wildlife, who are scared of snakes and afraid of getting dirty, and to get them passionate about conservation.

“We can achieve this goal by sharing the right content on these social media platforms.”

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
3 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • 2 hours ago

    Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke reveals shocking reason she didn’t attend dad’s tributes

    Brooke Oleksy shut down previous reports that she and her late father were on bad terms

    Celebrity
  • 2 hours ago

    Expert reveals the 3 common names you should never give your baby for surprising reason

    All three are strong names that are popular today, but there's a reason why this expert doesn't think you should name your child them

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    James Gunn responds to Trisha Paytas naming baby ‘Aquaman’ following bizarre Ozzy Osbourne conspiracy

    DC Studios' co-CEO has reacted to the internet celeb having named her baby Aquaman - something she revealed on the day Ozzy Osbourne died

    Celebrity
  • 5 hours ago

    Fans spot Kelly Osbourne's 'subtle' tribute to dad Ozzy as she pays her respects during his procession

    The Osbourne family and the rest of the world are grieving the loss of a rock legend

    Celebrity
  • Terrifying moment influencer livestreams himself being bitten by snake and admitted to ICU
  • 'Beloved' lion is shot dead after being lured from reserve by trophy hunter in chilling $46k kill
  • 14-year-old girl killed by lion in national park after being snatched from ranch
  • YouTuber, 25, known for drag race videos dies after horror crash at high speeds