South Africa YouTuber”: “South Africa YouTuber Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman, Known as Steve Irwin, Dies at 44 from Venomous Snake Bite

Graham “Dingo” Dinkelman, a nature conservationist and popular YouTuber known as “South Africa’s Steve Irwin,” died at 44 from a venomous snake bite.

Dinkelman passed away on Saturday, approximately one month after being placed in a medically induced coma due to anaphylactic shock following the bite, as confirmed by his wife on social media.

“South African Steve Irwin” Graham “Dingo” Dinkelman died on Oct. 26 after being bit by a Eastern green mamba. dingo_dinkelman/INstagram

An Eastern green mamba reportedly bit the reptile wrangler. Dinkelman was famous for his YouTube videos, where he showcased his daring encounters with venomous snakes and often taunted crocodiles.

In his YouTube videos, Dinkelman gets up close and personal with venomous snakes. dingo_dinkelman/INstagram

He was also known for his affection towards his family’s pet giraffe. As of Thursday, his YouTube channel had amassed over 111,000 subscribers, while he boasted more than 646,000 followers on Instagram.

Dinkelman was seen handling the highly venomous black mamba in one of his early YouTube videos. Just days before the fatal incident, he shared a video of his son, Rex, handling a green snake, demonstrating their passion for reptiles.

Dinkleman was also known to taunt snarling crocodiles and showed a soft spot while nursing his family’s pet giraffe. dingo_dinkelman/INstagram

Five days later, Dinkelman’s wife, Kirsty, posted an update on Instagram, informing fans that a snake had bitten him and was in the ICU in a medically induced coma.

After a month of fighting for his life, Dinkelman succumbed to his injuries, prompting a heartfelt tribute from his grieving wife.

“While Dingo was renowned for his involvement with snakes and other reptiles, his compassion extended to all creatures,” Kirsty wrote in her tribute. “There was a special place in his heart for African mammals, his favourites being elephants, rhinos, and lions, as well as our giraffe Elliot.

Following one month in the coma, Dinkelman passed away and his grieving wife took to Instagram to memorialize the daredevil. dingo_dinkelman/INstagram

But it was truly his love for his family that was always behind his purpose, drive, and passion.”

Dinkelman was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and owned and operated Dingo’s Farm and Reptile Park. His website features an image of him posing with a green mamba, highlighting his daring spirit and connection to wildlife.

He is survived by his wife, Kirsty, and their three children: Taylor, 14; Maddy, 12; and Rex, 9.