Fans are in mourning after history feels to be repeating itself.
Graham “Dingo” Dinkleman—a popular YouTuber and wildlife conservationist whose interactions with the natural world earned him the title of South Africa’s Steve Irwin—has died following a month-long health battle from a venomous snake bite, his wife Kirsty Dinkelman confirmed. He was 44.
“Dingo fought incredibly hard throughout this very difficult period,” Kirsty shared via a statement from African Reptile and Venom Oct. 26. “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 continued of her husband, with whom she shared children TJ, Maddy and Rex, “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.”
Kirsty previously shared one month prior to Dingo’s passing that her husband had suffered a bite from a venomous snake—which the Telegraph reported to be a green mamba—and had been receiving treatment after going into anaphylactic shock.