A tragic incident involving a Colorado man and his pet Gila monster has resulted in his untimely death, as confirmed by an autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press. Christopher Ward, 34, succumbed to complications arising from the venomous bite inflicted by one of his two pet Gila monsters, marking a rare and unfortunate occurrence in the United States.
According to the autopsy conducted by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, Ward was bitten by the Gila monster on February 12 and subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment. The autopsy revealed that Ward experienced significant heart and liver issues, which contributed to his demise. He had been bitten for approximately four minutes and experienced periods of unconsciousness for about two hours before seeking medical assistance.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Ward suffered from multiple seizures and acute respiratory failure, ultimately leading to his passing less than four days after the initial bite. This incident is believed to be the first fatality from a Gila monster bite in the US in nearly a century.
Ward's girlfriend, who witnessed the incident, promptly alerted authorities and surrendered the Gila monsters, named Winston and Potato, to animal control officers. She recounted witnessing Winston latching onto Ward's hand, resulting in Ward exhibiting severe symptoms, including vomiting and loss of consciousness.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the couple had acquired the Gila monsters from different sources, with Winston obtained from a reptile exhibition in Denver and Potato purchased from a breeder in Arizona. However, Gila monsters are illegal to own in the Denver suburb of Lakewood, where the couple resided, leading the girlfriend to request the removal of the lizards from their home.
Following the incident, authorities confiscated the Gila monsters and transferred them to Reptile Gardens in South Dakota. Additionally, several spiders found in the home were relocated to a nearby animal shelter.
Gila monsters, known for their venomous bites, are native to the southwestern US and parts of Mexico. While their bites typically induce severe pain and unconsciousness, fatalities are exceedingly rare. Ward's unfortunate death serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with owning exotic pets and the importance of adhering to regulations regarding their ownership.
