On Monday, November 25, 2024, 16-year-old Beau Horan was bitten by an eastern brown snake while doing yard work at his family’s property in Wurdong Heights, Queensland, Australia. Unaware of the bite, he began to feel unwell and collapsed inside his home.
Initially, Beau mistook the bite for a scratch on his foot. Moments later, his sister saw a brown snake quickly retreating. Shortly after entering the house, Beau collapsed, sustaining head injuries from the fall.
“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, told Daily Mail Australia.
Paramedics identified a snake bite on the back of his foot .“They called an ambulance, and after assessing him, he was rushed to the hospital, where he was given antivenom,” his mother added.
That night, Beau was put into a coma, and when staff discovered that he had a severe brain bleed, he was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he was placed on life support.
Tragically, his family made the difficult decision to discontinue life support late Wednesday Evening. They were with him when he passed on.
Horan, an aspiring teacher, was known for his kindness and dedication. His untimely death has profoundly affected the Wurdong Heights community. Family friend Shaun Connolly described Beau as a “beloved and joyful young man.” A GoFundMe campaign initiated to assist with medical and funeral expenses has raised over $22,000, reflecting the community’s support.
The eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is native to eastern and central Australia and is often found in rural and urban areas, including residential backyards. Known for its potent venom, this species is responsible for about 60% of human snake bite deaths in Australia.
Their venom contains powerful neurotoxins and procoagulants, which can disrupt blood clotting and lead to severe internal bleeding, paralysis, and, in some cases, cardiac arrest. Notably, the initial bite may be painless and difficult to detect, leading to delayed treatment.
This tragedy highlights the critical need for snake awareness and safety, particularly in areas where venomous snakes are common. Residents are encouraged to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing like boots and long pants while working outdoors and keeping yards tidy to minimize snake habitats.
Seeking assistance from licensed snake catchers for removal and educating oneself on first aid for snakebites are also essential. In the event of a snakebite, it is important to remain calm to slow the spread of venom, apply a pressure immobilization bandage, and keep the affected limb still.
Promptly calling emergency services is crucial for effective treatment. Public education and adherence to these safety measures are vital in preventing similar tragedies.