Michigan reptile Influencer Brian Barczyk has died following a year-long battle with stage-four pancreatic cancer.
Barczyk 54, who owned The Reptarium – a reptile zoo in Utica, Michigan, about 28 miles north of Detroit – died on Monday, his team announced.
“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 heartbreaking Instagram 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.
“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.
“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.”
Earlier this month, Brian Barczyk posted an emotional goodbye message on social media. Barczyk has more than 5 million subscribers on YouTube — where he shared his animal adventures in videos – or “vlogs.”
“I appreciate you guys so much, it’s been an amazing journey… each one of you have changed my life like you can’t believe,” Barczyk said in the YouTube video.
Barczyk was open about his health journey to his social media fans. He was diagnosed on Feb. 27, 2023. It was Stage 2 but quickly became Stage 4, he told WXYZ’s Alicia Smith last November.
Pancreatic cancer is often caught in late stages because the symptoms can be vague. Smith asked Barczyk what symptom prompted him to go to the doctor.
“The back pain,” he replied. “The pain was abdominal, you know, like from stomach to back.”
Brian Barczyk was building his dream — an expansion across the street from The Reptarium — called the LegaSea Aquarium. He said in the recent video that he wouldn’t be able to see it completed.
Barczyk said he was entering hospice care, and that his family will continue plans to open the aquarium and update the vlog.
“I’m going to be able to look down on the legacy, I’m going to be able to look down on my family and everyone who I love,” he said in the emotional video. “I love you guys, you guys be good… inspire people.”
When is Brian Barczyk funeral service?
As of now, the funeral date of the late Brian Barczyk has not been disclosed by his family.
Having said that, we are still following up on his death, we will update you as soon as we get important information about Brian Barczyk funeral service.
Meawhile, The Barczyk family is inviting the community to join them for a public memorial walk-through to honor his life on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at Heritage Church in Sterling Heights.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking people to visit and engage with a page made in his honor on The Reptarium’s website. At the opening of LegaSea Aquarium, visitors can find Barczyk’s handprint and place their hand in his.
“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,” The Reptarium said.
If you’d like to become a sponsor of LegaSea, email melisa.sweet@thereptarium.com. You can also email info@thereptarium.com for more information.
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