Current:Home > Contact-usYouTuber and Reptile Expert Brian Barczyk Dead at 54-LoTradeCoin
YouTuber and Reptile Expert Brian Barczyk Dead at 54
View Date:2024-12-23 16:39:41
The world of YouTube has said goodbye to a beloved creator.
Brian Barczyk, a reptile and amphibian expert whose educational videos have earned him 5.28 million subscribers, died on Jan. 14 from stage 4 inoperable pancreatic cancer, his team shared on social media. He was 54.
"On behalf of the Barczyk family and our entire team at The Reptarium, it is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Brian Barczyk," read a statement posted to his Instagram on Jan. 15. "More than the guiding light of our organization, Brian's fervent passion for reptiles and wildlife, along with his steadfast dedication to education, has touched innumerable hearts and minds globally."
Praising the YouTuber as a "visionary, mentor, and friend," the statement continued, "For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian's absence leaves an immeasurable void. As we navigate this difficult time, we find comfort in the memories and the lasting light of Brian's work. He will be deeply missed but indeed, never forgotten."
Barczyk made many contributions to the animal world. Along with making popular YouTube videos about reptile species, he also founded The Reptarium, a reptile zoo in Michigan, as well as LegaSea, which is currently in the process of being built. In addition, the animal enthusiast owned the world's third-largest collection of snakes, with over 30,000 in his possession, according to People.
First announcing his diagnosis in a March 2023 YouTube video, Barcyzk documented his cancer journey on the channel until Jan. 5, when he shared that he would be entering hospice care.
"I pray that you guys will continue to watch the vlog, continue to follow along, because nothing is going to change," Barczyk said in the 16-minute clip. "Our message is the same. The only difference is that you're not going to see me. But trust me, I'm ready, guys. It was a tough year. It was so painful."
He added, "You know the only way I was probably going to beat this cancer was this way. It wasn't because I gave up. I didn't give up. I was ready. It was such a battle... I'm telling you, I'm a tough person, and I don't know how people do it. It's so hard."
Barcyzk concluded the video with a hopeful message, saying, "I'm going to be able to look down on the LegaSea, I'm going to be able to look down on my family and everyone who I love. I love you guys. You guys be good, inspire people."
Barcyzk is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lori, and his children, Noah and Jade.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (6955)
Related
- Father sought in Amber Alert killed by officer, daughter unharmed after police chase in Ohio
- Open enrollment starts this week for ACA plans. Here's what's new this year
- Iranian teen Armita Geravand, allegedly assaulted by police for flouting strict dress code, has died
- Federal charge says former North Dakota lawmaker traveled to Prague with intent to rape minor
- Mason Bates’ Met-bound opera ‘Kavalier & Clay’ based on Michael Chabon novel premieres in Indiana
- Why Elizabeth Banks Says She's Terrified Of Getting Cosmetic Injectables
- Google CEO defends paying Apple and others to make Google the default search engine on devices
- NY man arrested after allegedly pointing gun at head of 6-year-old dropping off candy
- Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures
- 3 energy companies compete to build a new nuclear reactor in the Czech Republic
Ranking
- Get Your Home Holiday-Ready & Decluttered With These Storage Solutions Starting at $14
- Inside Matthew Perry's Bond With His Fellow Friends Stars
- Breast cancer survivor pushes for earlier screening as younger women face rising cases: What if I had waited?
- Veterans are more likely than most to kill themselves with guns. Families want to keep them safe.
- Republican Vos reelected as Wisconsin Assembly speaker despite losing seats, fights with Trump
- Democratic U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer from Oregon says he won’t run for reelection next year
- Woman poisons boyfriend to death over 'financial motives,' police say
- Stellantis, UAW reach tentative deal on new contract, sources say
Recommendation
-
Bitcoin has topped $87,000 for a new record high. What to know about crypto’s post-election rally
-
NFL trade deadline updates: Leonard Williams to Seahawks marks first big move
-
Freedom Under Fire: 5 takeaways from AP’s series on rising tension between guns and American liberty
-
2 die in Bangladesh as police clash with opposition supporters seeking prime minister’s resignation
-
Diddy's ex-bodyguard sues rape accuser for defamation over claims of 2001 assault
-
Breast cancer survivor pushes for earlier screening as younger women face rising cases: What if I had waited?
-
Open enrollment starts this week for ACA plans. Here's what's new this year
-
Connecticut police officer under criminal investigation for using stun gun on suspect 3 times