Reptile Vlogger Brian Barczyk Dies at 54 After Pancreatic Cancer Battle

Brian Barczyk, a herpetologist with a devoted online following in the millions, died on Sunday at his Michigan home. He was 54.

Barczyk died after a battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which he had told his followers was terminal in a video posted to his YouTube channel on Jan. 5. Visibly struggling to catch his breath, Barczyk said, “It’s been an amazing journey, one that has changed my life like you can’t believe.” The video was titled “This Is Goodbye.” He entered hospice care shortly after.

His death was announced on Monday by The Reptarium, a reptile zoo founded by Barczyk in Utica, Michigan. “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,” the zoo said in a statement.

Read more at The Daily Beast.