UPDATED Jan. 16, 2024: Popular YouTuber and reptile enthusiast Brian Barczyk has died at the age of 54 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
While Barczyk built a broad audience around his love for reptiles and wildlife, he was vocal about his Christian faith, perhaps never more clearly than in a heartfelt farewell video in which he revealed he was entering hospice care.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve got Jesus in my heart and when I’m gone, I’m going to spend eternity in heaven,” he said.
Barczyk’s team announced his passing via Instagram on Monday (Jan. 15).
“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,” the post read. “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.”
“Our deepest sympathies are with Brian’s family, his friends, and all those whose lives he has touched,” the post continued. “We’ve lost an exceptional individual—a visionary, mentor, and friend. For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian’s absence leaves an immeasurable void.”
A public memorial walk-through will be held in Barczyk’s honor on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Heritage Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
ChurchLeaders original article written on Jan. 11, 2024, below:
‘I’m Going To Spend Eternity in Heaven’—Popular Reptile Enthusiast Brian Barczyk Enters Hospice After Battle With Cancer
Popular YouTuber and reptile enthusiast Brian Barczyk bid viewers a heartfelt farewell in a video last week as he announced that he would be entering hospice care after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Barczyk is the founder of the Reptarium Reptile Zoo in Utica, Michigan, and he has been vlogging about his life and love for reptiles since 2016. He had been working to open Legasea Aquarium Reptarium, which will feature an interactive reptile zoo and is planned to open in March.
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While his online content has been aimed at a broad audience, Barczyk has nevertheless been vocal about his Christian faith. His videos are marked by positivity and playfulness, as well as education about reptiles and other animals.
