THE hearts of devoted fans were shattered after their favorite YouTuber posted a goodbye video as he entered hospice care.
Brian Barczyk, 54, uploaded a 16-minute video titled This is Goodbye… last week, thanking his more than 5million subscribers who visited his reptile zoo, The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan.
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“Hey guys, good morning, and welcome to the vlog. It’s been about 2,000 times that I’ve said that or something similar,” said Barczyk, who has battled pancreatic cancer for nearly a year.
“It’s been an amazing journey and one that has changed my life. Each one of you has changed my life like you can’t believe.”
In the tearful video, Barczyk shares clips of his family and work with animals, including of his beloved zoo.
He follows up with a clip that was recorded three months after his cancer diagnosis in April 2023.
“I’m a few weeks into chemotherapy now, it’s been a rough ride,” he said at the time. “If you guys are watching this that means things didn’t turn out very well for me and I apologize. I fought as hard as I could.
“You never die until the last person speaks your name. My hope is that the LegaSea Aquarium, my legacy throughout everything, is going to last a long time.”
Barczyk said his team will continue to upload videos on the channel after his death and hopes fans will continue to enjoy his content.
We’re going to tell great stories and we’re going inspire people whether it’s me or not. I hope you will continue to watch the vlog,” he said.
“I wish I was going to be there manning the front of it but let’s keep getting people to love animals and wildlife and have experiences and dedicate their life to animals. If that happens I’m happy.”
Barczyk and his team have been hard at work to fulfill his dream of opening the LegaSea Aquarium, which will feature an interactive reptile zoo in a 25,000-square-foot building that previously housed a thrift store.
However, Barczyk said that his cancer progressed and he would not make it to attend the opening early this year.
“I really truly believed we could beat this,” said Barczyk. “I wanted to be there…that’s all I dreamt of. But unfortunately, I gotta tell you that’s not gonna happen.
“I always said that when my pain ends, a lot of other people’s pain begins because they’ll start missing me.”
Barczyk was with his wife, Lori, for 35 years and said he loves her more than he could ever love anybody in the world.
“She’s been so good to me in these end days and I know she’s going to make the LegaSea Aquarium so amazing.”
FANS’ HEARTBREAK
The tragic video gained more than 2.4million views and received more than 67,000 comments.
“Wow, I have no words. I have watched you since I was 15/16 years old and I am now 23. Brian, you are truly one of the most amazing people to have roamed this earth. We need more people like you,” wrote one person.
“You will be so deeply missed and I hope everyone continues to watch your videos and let your legacy live on.”
“This is so heartbreaking. I watch Brian all the time and love his channel and his passion for animals. You will be so missed. Love you, Brian. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this world,” wrote another person.
A third person wrote: “A true animal lover’s heart is as deep as the ocean.. The amount of strength, bravery, and wisdom it takes to make this video for everyone and the honesty about life and passing is beyond admirable…”
“Breaks my heart and fills it with love at the same time! All the love for Brian, and the whole reptile family! See you one day brother!” wrote another person.
“Thank you SO much for all the uplifting entertainment and positive vibes over the years! Gonna miss you. I’ll be looking forward to the future videos and rewatching the old ones. I know the crew will do you proud.”
Brian’s spirit and his legacy will live on forever he will be sorely missed my thoughts and prayers are with Brian and his family and friends,” said another person.
Another tribute read: “This is in fact, incredibly hard…Been watching Brian for over a decade. I’m not I huge comment person but I’ve been here. Its crazy how many people are here for him and you guys. We love ya. This hurts very much indeed.”
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