Beau Horan, a 16-year-old Australian teen, suffered a fatal bite from a brown snake on November 25, 2024. The incident occurred while he was engaged in yard work at his family residence in Wurdong Heights, Queensland, Australia. Initially, Horan believed he had merely scratched his foot. However, his sister spotted a brown snake slithering away shortly after.
Horan retreated indoors, where he began to feel ill and ultimately collapsed, striking his head against a wall and floor tiles. This fall resulted in significant head injuries.
His mother, Bek Eddy, was not present at the time of the incident. “‘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 who arrived at the scene 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 anti-venom,” Eddy reported.
Horan was placed in a medically induced coma later that night. Doctors discovered he had sustained a severe brain bleed, prompting his transfer via air to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. There, he was put on life support.
His family made the painful decision to turn off his life support on the following Wednesday evening. They were at his side when he passed away.
Horan was a highly regarded young man with aspirations of becoming a teacher. His unexpected death has deeply impacted the local Wurdong Heights community. Shaun Connolly, a family friend, described Horan as a “beloved and joyful young man.” A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover medical and funeral costs, raising over $22,000, and demonstrating the community’s support.
The eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is an indigenous species commonly found in eastern and central Australia, including residential backyards. This snake is notorious for its potent venom, which is accountable for approximately 60% of human snake bite fatalities in Australia.
The venom of the eastern brown snake contains strong neurotoxins and procoagulants, which can disrupt blood clotting and result in severe internal bleeding, paralysis, and even cardiac arrest. The initial bite can often be painless and difficult to detect, causing potential delays in treatment.
This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of snake awareness and safety, especially in regions where venomous snakes are prevalent. Residents are encouraged to wear protective clothing such as boots and long pants when working outside and to maintain tidy yards to minimize potential snake habitats.
Residents are also advised to seek help from licensed snake catchers for snake removal and to educate themselves on snakebite first aid procedures. In case of a snakebite, it’s crucial to stay calm to slow the spread of venom, apply a pressure immobilization bandage, and immobilize the affected limb.
Calling emergency services promptly is critical for effective treatment. Public education and adherence to safety measures can play a vital role in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
