YOUTUBE star Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkleman died after he was bitten by a venomous snake.
The reptile fanatic was known as South Africa’s Steve Irwin passed away on October 26 after he was attacked by a cobra.
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He was originally bitten by the snake a month ago, which sent him into anaphylactic shock.
His tragic passing was confirmed by his wife Kirsty – lets take a look at their family life.
Who is Kirsty Dinkelman?
Dingo lived in Pietermaritzburg in western South Africa with his wife Kirsty and their three children Taylor, 14, Maddy, 12 and Rex, 9.
The couple was married for 15 years and in a touching Instagram post, Kirsty said that Dingo was her “greatest adventure and best friend”.
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Kirsty and the kids were deeply involved in Dingo’s work and she would often share photos of the family with the animals – much like the Irwins.
The family had hoped the wildlife conversationalist would pull through, but Kirsty released a statement on the day of his death.
She said: “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.”
In her tribute to her husband, she thanked well-wishers for their support.
Kirsty said: “Today [Saturday] is one month since the incident, and we have experienced such comfort and love from your messages and prayers from all over the world.”
Who was Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman?
Dingo amassed a global fanbase for his videos and was likened to Steve Irwin in 2022.
The father of three was hospitalised and treated in an intensive care unit.
He was placed in an induced coma under heavy sedatives in the hope that his body would recover.
In October 2024 he had more than 100,000 YouTube subscribers and over 600,000 Instagram fans.
The YouTuber particularly grew popular for his daring dangerous reptile rescues.
Tributes for the snake handler have poured in from across the globe, according to The Witness.
American YouTuber Jacob Colvin said he was saddened to learn his “his friend” had died.
Colvin remembered Dingo as “a really kind and good-hearted man, who cared deeply about animals.”
Australian Facebooker Mad Paulys Reptile Removal called Dingo “a friend of wildlife.”
Fellow YouTuber Dav Kaufman also paid an emotional tribute to the animal lover.
He said: “He fought so hard for so long. But having an allergic reaction to the venom and going into anaphylactic shock, placing him in a coma for weeks, was just too much even for the strongest of us.
“You’ll be very missed, my friend.”
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