A 34-year-old Colorado man believed to be the first person killed by a Gila monster in nearly a century died from complications associated with the reptile’s venom, a coroner determined.
Heart and liver problems also factored in Christopher Ward’s death last month, according to a medical report obtained by the Associated Press.
Ward was hospitalized Feb. 12 after being bitten by Winston, his pet Gila monster. Less than four days later, the exotic pet owner was dead.
Ward’s girlfriend told investigators something “didn’t sound right” before she walked into a room where the hardy reptile had a hold of its owner’s hand.
The coroner’s report said the bite lasted about four minutes.
Ward struggled to remain conscious before seeking helping two hours later. His girlfriend told investigators that when she arrived, Ward “immediately began exhibiting symptoms” including repeated vomiting. He suffered seizures and respiratory issues in the hospital, where he was placed on life support.
Gila monsters are illegal to own without a permit in the Denver suburb where Ward was bitten. He owned two of the slow-moving desert lizards and more than two-dozen spiders. The victim’s girlfriend reportedly told authorities she wanted all the animals removed from their house quickly.
Winston and his reptilian housemate, Potato, were relocated to a “reptile-focused” South Dakota zoo. Ward purchased Winston at an October exhibition in Denver. He acquired Potato from an Arizona breeder the following month.
The Arizona-Sonorma Desert Museum describes Gila monsters as large, heavy-bodied animals that are one of two known venomous lizards and “should not be handled!”
An Arizona State University professor who studies the reptiles said the last known fatal Gila Monster bite occurred around 1930 and the victim may have had a liver disease.
With News Wire Services
