Current:Home > ContactYouTuber and Reptile Expert Brian Barczyk Dead at 54 -ProfitMasters Hub
YouTuber and Reptile Expert Brian Barczyk Dead at 54
View
Date:2025-04-11 23:34:45
The world of YouTube has said goodbye to a beloved creator.
Brian Barczyk, a reptile and amphibian expert whose educational videos have earned him 5.28 million subscribers, died on Jan. 14 from stage 4 inoperable pancreatic cancer, his team shared on social media. He was 54.
"On behalf of the Barczyk family and our entire team at The Reptarium, it is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Brian Barczyk," read a statement posted to his Instagram on Jan. 15. "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."
Praising the YouTuber as a "visionary, mentor, and friend," the statement continued, "For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian's absence leaves an immeasurable void. As we navigate this difficult time, we find comfort in the memories and the lasting light of Brian's work. He will be deeply missed but indeed, never forgotten."
Barczyk made many contributions to the animal world. Along with making popular YouTube videos about reptile species, he also founded The Reptarium, a reptile zoo in Michigan, as well as LegaSea, which is currently in the process of being built. In addition, the animal enthusiast owned the world's third-largest collection of snakes, with over 30,000 in his possession, according to People.
First announcing his diagnosis in a March 2023 YouTube video, Barcyzk documented his cancer journey on the channel until Jan. 5, when he shared that he would be entering hospice care.
"I pray that you guys will continue to watch the vlog, continue to follow along, because nothing is going to change," Barczyk said in the 16-minute clip. "Our message is the same. The only difference is that you're not going to see me. But trust me, I'm ready, guys. It was a tough year. It was so painful."
He added, "You know the only way I was probably going to beat this cancer was this way. It wasn't because I gave up. I didn't give up. I was ready. It was such a battle... I'm telling you, I'm a tough person, and I don't know how people do it. It's so hard."
Barcyzk concluded the video with a hopeful message, saying, "I'm going to be able to look down on the LegaSea, I'm going to be able to look down on my family and everyone who I love. I love you guys. You guys be good, inspire people."
Barcyzk is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lori, and his children, Noah and Jade.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (378)
Related
- Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
- LOCALIZE IT: HIV cases are on the rise in young gay Latinos, especially in the Southeast
- Watch as hero North Carolina dad saves toddler daughter from drowning in family pool
- 1 dead, 7 injured in shooting at nightclub in Louisville, Kentucky: Police
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Francesca Scorsese, Martin's daughter, charts own film journey with 'Fish Out of Water'
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, June 23, 2024
- Shooting at a party in Alabama’s capital leaves 13 injured, officials say
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Noah Lyles wins opening round of men's 100m at US Olympic track and field trials
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Helicopters scramble to rescue people in flooded Iowa town while much of US toils again in heat
- Willie Nelson cancels Outlaw Music Festival performances for health reasons
- Toronto Blue Jays No. 2 prospect, shortstop Orelvis Martínez, suspended for PED violation
- Average rate on 30
- Heat waves in the US kill more people in their homes than anywhere else
- Jonathan Majors cries while accepting Perseverance Award months after assault conviction
- New photo of Prince William with his children released to mark his birthday
Recommendation
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Go Instagram Official—With Help From the Royal Family
Taylor Swift sings 'thanK you aIMee,' performs with Hayley Williams at Eras Tour in London
Red Lobster is open in 44 states – even in bankruptcy. See every location in your state
Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
Willie Nelson cancels Outlaw Music Festival performances for health reasons
Taylor Swift nails 'mega-bridge' in London, combining two of her favorite song bridges
Score 70% Off Spanx, $4 Old Navy Deals, 45% Off Ulta, 70% Off West Elm & More of Today's Best Deals