Share this @internewscast.com

GOLDEN, Colo. — A Colorado man who was placed on life support after he was bitten by his pet Gila monster died of complications from the desert lizard’s venom, an autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press on Friday confirmed.

The report also found that heart and liver problems were significant contributing factors in Christopher Ward’s death.

Ward, 34, was taken to a hospital shortly after being bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters on Feb. 12. His death less than four days later is believed to be the first from a Gila monster in the U.S. in almost a century.

The autopsy, conducted by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office on Feb. 18, said Ward was bitten for four minutes and wavered in and out of consciousness for about two hours before seeking medical attention. He suffered multiple seizures and acute respiratory failure at the hospital.

Ward’s girlfriend handed over the lizard named Winston and another named Potato to an animal control officer and other officers in the Denver suburb of Lakewood the day after the bite. She told police she had heard something that “didn’t sound right” and entered a room to see Winston latched onto Ward’s hand, according to the animal control officer’s report.

She told officers Ward “immediately began exhibiting symptoms, vomiting several times and eventually passing out and ceasing to breathe,” according to the report. She also said she and Ward bought Winston at a reptile exhibition in Denver in October and Potato from a breeder in Arizona in November. Told that Gila monsters were illegal in Lakewood, the woman told officers she wanted them out of her house as soon as possible, according to the report.

Officers working with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources sent the lizards to Reptile Gardens outside Rapid City, South Dakota. Twenty-six spiders of different species also were taken from the home to a nearby animal shelter.

Gila monsters are venomous reptiles that naturally inhabit parts of the southwestern U.S. and neighboring areas of Mexico. Their bites can cause intense pain and make their victims pass out but normally aren’t deadly.

They are legal to own in most states, easily found through breeders and at reptile shows, and widely regarded for their striking color patterns and typically easygoing personality.

Colorado requires a permit to keep a Gila (pronounced HE-la) monster. Only zoological-type facilities are issued such permits, however, and Ward apparently didn’t have one for his lizards, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said.

Winston may have slipped through the cracks of state enforcement because the lizard was sold at a reptile show. Colorado Department of Natural Resources agents sometimes attend shows to make sure illegal animals aren’t for sale.

Before Ward, the last person to die of a Gila monster bite, around 1930, may have had cirrhosis of the liver, said Arizona State University professor Dale DeNardo, a Gila monster enthusiast who has studied the reptiles for decades.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Aurora, Colorado dentist James Craig accused of poisoning wife Angela Craig's protein shakes going on trial for murder

Trial Begins for Aurora Dentist James Craig, Accused of Fatally Poisoning Wife via Protein Shakes

DENVER — Just a few days before her untimely death due to…
AOC Could Soon Pay a Big Price As She Makes Same Defamatory Allegation Against Trump That Cost ABC $15M

AOC Potentially Faces Consequences for Repeating Defamatory Claim Against Trump Similar to Costly ABC Case

The mishap resulted in his network incurring a $15 million loss, as…
Top Ukrainian spy gunned down in Kyiv ambush attack: report

Senior Ukrainian Intelligence Officer Shot in Surprise Kyiv Assault: Report

A top Ukrainian spy was gunned down in Kyiv in broad daylight…
Vladimir Putin speaking at a press conference.

West Must Overcome All Members of ‘Axis of Evil’ to Stop Putin’s Tyranny, Warns Former Top U.S. General

WESTERN nations must change their attitude to Russia and crush the war…
Unhealthy smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the Upper Midwest when people want to be outside

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Covers Upper Midwest, Dampening Outdoor Plans

Much of the Upper Midwest faced extensive areas of poor air quality…
'You want some? Come get some'

“Craving some? Come and get yours”

During the Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit on Saturday night, Tom…
Justice Dept. fires more lawyers, support staff involved in Trump prosecutions

Justice Department Dismisses Additional Lawyers and Support Staff Involved in Trump Cases

The firings are part of a broader wave of terminations that have…
Security camera footage of a blurry altercation in a restaurant.

Shocking Incident: Intoxicated Driver Crashes SUV Through Restaurant Wall After Brawl

THIS is the terrifying moment a drunk driver smashes his SUV into…
Karen Read lands lucrative book deal while witnesses face continued harassment after acquittal

Karen Read secures major book deal as witnesses continue to experience harassment post-acquittal

<!–> Karen Read Disposes of Trash Behind Boston Hotel Karen Read, recently…
Lontray Clark to face murder, arson charges in court for Austin, Chicago fire that killed 4 at North and Laramie avenues

Lontray Clark to be arraigned on murder and arson charges for Austin, Chicago blaze that claimed 4 lives at North and Laramie Avenues

CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspect in a deadly fire in Chicago’s Austin…
Russia gives Rubio a 'new and different approach' as Trump pushes for peace with Ukraine

Russia Presents Rubio with Fresh Perspective amid Trump’s Ukraine Peace Efforts

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed on Thursday that he and his…
Trump says he's considering revoking Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, reigniting decadeslong feud

Trump contemplates stripping Rosie O’Donnell of citizenship, rekindling long-standing feud

President Donald Trump rekindled a long-standing feud with comedian Rosie O’Donnell on…