A Kentucky pastor, known for handling snakes and appearing on a reality TV show, tragically passed away after being bitten by a rattlesnake and declining medical treatment. Jamie Coots, 42, featured on National Geographic’s “Snake Salvation,” where he expressed his belief that handling serpents was safe for believers as long as they were anointed by God. Despite previous injuries and witnessing fatalities from snake bites, Coots remained steadfast in his faith, citing a passage from the gospel of Mark as his motivation.
In February 2014, during a church service, Coots was bitten by a rattlesnake on the hand. Despite an ambulance being called, Coots left for home before medical assistance arrived. When emergency services returned later that day, he was found deceased. Witnesses reported that Coots was holding the snake, which unexpectedly bit him before his tragic death.
Coots’ son revealed that his father had survived multiple snake bites in the past through prayer and faith, but this time, the outcome was swift and unexpected. Coots had a history of legal issues related to handling venomous snakes, including a probation sentence in 2013 and an arrest in 2008 for housing numerous snakes.
Following Coots’ death, a friend noted that his sacrifice would likely inspire others in the snake-handling tradition, viewing him as a martyr for the faith. National Geographic expressed admiration for Coots’ unwavering dedication to his beliefs despite the risks involved, offering condolences to his family.
Snake handling, an age-old practice also observed in West Virginia, remains a secretive tradition among pastors, with limited public access to their services.
