Share this @internewscast.com

A Colorado man has died after being bitten by his pet Gila monster in what would be a rare death by one of the desert lizards if the creature’s venom turns out to have been the cause.

Christopher Ward, 34, was taken to a hospital shortly after being bitten by one of his two pet Gila monsters on Feb. 12. He was soon placed on life support and died Friday, Lakewood Police Department spokesman John Romero said Tuesday.

Jefferson County coroner’s officials declined Tuesday to comment on the death, including if tests showed yet whether Ward died from the pet’s venom or from some other medical condition.

Ward’s girlfriend handed over the lizard named Winston and another named Potato to Lakewood animal control officer Leesha Crookston and other officers the day after the bite.

Ward’s girlfriend 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 Crookston’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.

Ward was placed on life support in a hospital. Within days, doctors had declared him brain dead.

Ward’s girlfriend reportedly told officers they bought Winston at a reptile exhibition in Denver in October and Potato from a breeder in Arizona in November, according to the animal control officer’s report. Told that Gila monsters were illegal in Lakewood, the woman told officers she wanted them out of her house as soon as possible, the report said.

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
St. Augustine wedding venue under investigation

Investigation Launched into St. Augustine Wedding Venue

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has announced that it is looking…
Israel news: IDF says it will advance preparations for 1st phase of Donald Trump's plan to end Gaza war, return Hamas hostages

Israeli Update: IDF to Begin Initial Steps in Implementing Trump’s Strategy to Resolve Gaza Conflict and Free Hostages from Hamas

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s army announced on Saturday that it would…
Dem Governor Pritzker Confirms Trump to Deploy Illinois National Guardsmen - but to Where?

Governor Pritzker Announces Trump’s Plan to Deploy Illinois National Guard, But Destination Unclear

For those who haven’t been disconnected from the world recently, Chicago’s troubles…
Trump administration offers teen migrants $2,500 to leave US voluntarily: reports

Reports: Teen Migrants Offered $2,500 to Voluntarily Leave US by Trump Administration

The Trump administration is currently offering teen migrants a $2,500 stipend to…
Justice Department probes Portland Police Bureau after Trump administration bias claims

Justice Department Investigates Portland Police Bureau Following Bias Allegations During Trump Era

The Department of Justice is initiating an inquiry into the Portland Police…
Costco offers Wegovy, Ozempic at reduced prices

Costco Introduces Discounted Rates for Wegovy and Ozempic

Costco members can already access the drug online and have the option…
Brooklyn Book Bodega feeds young minds by filling home shelves

Brooklyn Book Bodega Nourishes Young Minds by Stocking Home Bookshelves

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is home to an inspiring initiative known as…
Most Americans rate the U.S. economy poorly: Poll

Poll Reveals That Many Americans Hold a Negative View of the U.S. Economy

(The Hill) — Nearly three-quarters of Americans say economic conditions are poor…
Iran executes 6 prisoners accused of carrying out attacks for Israel

Iran Executes Six Individuals for Alleged Attacks Linked to Israel

Iran reportedly carried out the execution of six prisoners on Saturday, who…
Newly released 911 transcripts capture chaos, fear during Minneapolis church shooting: ‘Stay down, stay quiet'

Recently Published 911 Transcripts Reveal Panic and Fear During Minneapolis Church Shooting: ‘Stay Down, Stay Quiet’

The recently unveiled 911 transcripts shed light on the panic and distress…
Donald Trump administration seeking to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard members amid Chicago ICE raids: Gov. JB Pritzker

Governor JB Pritzker reports that the Trump administration plans to deploy 300 Illinois National Guard members to support ICE operations in Chicago.

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Trump administration plans to federalize 300 Illinois National…
Iowa school superintendent resigns after ICE arrest rocks Des Moines district

DHS Uncovers Criminal Past of Ex-Des Moines Superintendent Arrested for Illegal U.S. Residency

The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district was living and working…