Beau Horan, a 16-year-old from Wurdong Heights, Queensland, Australia, suffered a snake bite from an eastern brown snake on November 25, 2024. The incident occurred while he was working in his family’s backyard. Initially, Beau thought he had a simple foot scratch until his sister spotted a brown snake slithering away.
Feeling unwell, Beau moved indoors where he collapsed, hitting his head on a wall and tiles, resulting in head injuries.
“I was at work when it happened, and his sister and stepdad were with him. I was on the phone with his stepdad when he collapsed,” his mother, Bek Eddy, shared with Daily Mail Australia.
Paramedics identified a snake bite on Beau’s foot. “They called an ambulance, and after assessing him, he was rushed to the hospital, where he was given antivenom,” continued his mother.
Beau was placed in a coma that night due to a severe brain bleed. He was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and put on life support.
His family made the heart-wrenching decision to turn off life support on Wednesday evening. They were present when he passed away.
Beau, who aspired to be a teacher, was lauded for his kindness and dedication. His untimely passing has deeply touched the community of Wurdong Heights. Beau was described as a “beloved and joyful young man” by family friend Shaun Connolly. Over $22,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical and funeral costs, reflecting the community’s support.
The eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is native to eastern and central Australia, and is often found in both rural and urban settings, including residential backyards. This species, known for its potent venom, is responsible for approximately 60% of human snake bite fatalities in Australia.
The venom of the eastern brown snake contains potent neurotoxins and procoagulants. These substances can interfere with blood clotting, potentially causing severe internal bleeding, paralysis, and in some cases, cardiac arrest. A bite from this snake may be painless and hard to detect, leading to delayed treatment.
This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of snake awareness and safety, especially in regions where venomous snakes are prevalent. Wearing protective clothing such as boots and long pants when working outdoors, maintaining clean yards to reduce snake habitats, and seeking assistance from licensed snake catchers for removing snakes are all preventative measures residents are encouraged to take.
Education on snakebite first aid is also crucial. In the event of a snakebite, individuals should stay calm to slow venom spread, apply a pressure immobilization bandage, and keep the affected limb still. Promptly calling emergency services is essential for effective treatment. Adherence to these safety measures and public education can help prevent similar tragedies.
