A pastor known for handling snakes on reality TV passed away following a rattlesnake bite and rejecting medical treatment. Jamie Coots, hailing from Kentucky, was featured on National Geographic’s “Snake Salvation,” where he expressed his belief that handling serpents, when anointed by God, wouldn’t harm faithful individuals. Despite previous snake bites and witnessing fatalities, Coots persisted in practicing snake handling as part of his religious convictions.
Coots’ ideology stemmed from a passage in Mark’s gospel that mentioned protection from serpents and poison. Tragically, in February 2014, during a church service, Coots was bitten by a rattlesnake. Emergency services were called, but Coots had already left for home. Upon their return later that day, he was pronounced deceased. Witness Cody Winn recounted how Coots was bitten after briefly dropping the snake during the service.
Coots’ son shared that his father had survived multiple snake bites in the past, but this time was different, ending swiftly and unexpectedly. Despite legal issues in the past related to possessing venomous snakes, Coots’ death was seen by some as a testament to his faith. National Geographic’s spokesperson, Stephanie Montgomery, acknowledged Coots’ dedication to his beliefs despite the associated risks and extended condolences to his family.
The practice of snake handling, present for over a century in West Virginia, is typically shrouded in secrecy among pastors who adhere to this tradition. The death of Jamie Coots was perceived by some as a martyrdom, likely to inspire others to continue the practice as a demonstration of unwavering faith.
