A tragic accident has claimed the life of a hiker in Tennessee’s Savage Gulf State Park after a venomous snake bite, officials confirmed Thursday.
According to Grundy County Emergency Management Agency Director Matthew Griffith, emergency crews were dispatched to a trailhead in the park around 12:30 p.m. on August 8. First responders… including EMS teams, fire and rescue units, and park rangers… found the victim about half a mile down the trail.
Witnesses reported that the man had picked up a snake, which then bit him on the hand. Authorities believe the snake was a timber rattlesnake, one of the most venomous snakes native to the region.
The hiker was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. While officials suspect the cause of death was a severe allergic reaction to the venom, the exact cause is still pending an official report.
“Our hearts go out to the family during this devastating time,” Griffith said. “We urge hikers to carry basic first-aid supplies, remain alert to wildlife, and never attempt to handle snakes. If bitten, seek emergency medical care immediately.”
