Brian Barczyk was an American reptile enthusiast, YouTuber, and founder of the Reptarium Reptile Zoo and Legasea Aquarium.
He was also featured as a star on the TV series Venom Hunters by the Discovery Channel. Brian had the third largest collection of snakes in the world with over 30,000 snakes and assisted with venom milking.
Brian Barczyk death
Brian Barczyk passed away on January 15, 2024, at the age of 54. His team released a statement via his Instagram account announcing the news.
“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,” the statement read.
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.
Brian Barczyk cause of death
Brian Barczyk died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Earlier this month, 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.
Brian Barczyk wife
Brian Barczyk is survived by his wife, Lori, who he was with for over 35 years. Lori has over 38,000 followers on her Instagram page, @loribarczyk.
According to Thaiger, she helped her husband run The Reptarium. Lori “efficiently handles the financial aspects, manages logistics, and oversees the daily operations of the business.”
She is also “deeply involved in animal care and breeding initiatives” at the zoo. Per the outlet, she especially loves dogs and is interested in gardening, literature, culinary arts, and cinema.
Lori was also “a grounding force in Brian’s life, often providing a voice of caution against his adventurous streak.”
According to Thaiger, Brian and Lori met while they were both studying biology at the University of Michigan.
The couple later wed in 1992 and continued to share an “unwavering” bond throughout their relationship.
In his final video, the YouTube star said he loved Lori more than he could ever love anybody in the world.
“She’s been so good to me in these end days and I know she’s going to make the LegaSea Aquarium so amazing.”
Brian Barczyk children
Brian Barczyk and his wife , Lori, were blessed with a loving family consisting of two children, Noah and Jade.
Per Thaiger, the family members are “all passionate animal lovers and bloggers.”
Noah was born in 1998 and “loves to travel and explore new places with his family and friends.”
He is popular on social media, with 197,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel, @BadChoiceNoah, and more than 35,000 followers on his Instagram page, @barczyknoah.
Jade was born in 2002 and is a “dedicated student and dancer with a fondness for ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles.”
Brian Barczyk illness
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.”
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.”
Brian Barczyk net worth
Brian Barczyk, the popular reptile expert and YouTuber, had an estimated net worth of $2 million as of January 2024 .
He gained his wealth through his fame on YouTube, Instagram, and the Discovery Channel. Brian also sold merchandise on his YouTube channel, which added to his wealth.
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