Australian man bitten by deadly snake dies after six days in hospital
Toxic bite from coastal taipan snake can kill human in 30 minutes if left untreated
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man has died after being bitten by a venomous snake at his home.
David Pitt, 77, was bitten on the foot by a taipan snake at his home in Cairns, eastern Australia, and died six days after being rushed to intensive care.
Paramedics confirmed the 1.5m-long reptile had highly toxic venom and lashed out after Mr Pitt attempted to hit it with a shovel.
Mr Pitt went into cardiac arrest but was revived before being transported to Cairns Hospital. Taipans are the sixth deadliest snake in the world and can kill a human in 30 minutes if the bite is left untreated.
Friends described Mr Pitt as a “passionate and tenacious man” who loved golf and contributed to his local golf association, according to MailOnline.
He was the second person to be killed by a coastal taipan in Queensland this year, and the fifth victim in the past five years.
Coastal taipans are only found in Australia and on the island of New Guinea, and have been known to hide in rubbish tips while hunting for prey.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments