Texas Rattlesnake handler dies video
Eugene De Leon Sr, of the Snake Busters Snake Handlers in Freer, was a veteran rattlesnake when performing at the annual event Saturday afternoon. He was bitten by a rattlesnake around 100 miles north of San Antonio. Eugene De Leon, his son, was bitten on the inside of his left thumb by a two-foot…
Eugene De Leon Sr, of the Snake Busters Snake Handlers in Freer, was a veteran rattlesnake when performing at the annual event Saturday afternoon. He was bitten by a rattlesnake around 100 miles north of San Antonio.
Eugene De Leon, his son, was bitten on the inside of his left thumb by a two-foot rattlesnake four years before.
De Leon was not only a veteran snake handler but also a member of the Freer Volunteer Fire Department and a custodian at Freer High School, according to his obituary.
“As a member of the Freer Vol., I saw the love and dedication he had for his neighborhood every day.”
Residents can call the Fire Department for help removing snakes from their property, according to the Freer Chamber of Commerce. “He was always willing to lend a hand.
We’ll never forget his excitement during Roundup season when he did everything from doing interviews with media stations to appearing on broadcast wildlife shows.”
De Leon was taken to a hospital in Corpus Christi, where he succumbed to his injuries and died.
De Leon’s sister, Monica Dimas, utilized Facebook on Sunday to raise money for her brother’s burial expenses.
“Please keep my mother, Evalina Morgan, and family in your prayers as my brother earned his wings today doing what he loved,” Dimas stated. “At the Rattlesnake Roundup in Freer, he developed a fascination for snake handling… After many years of dealing with these issues, today was not your day… My brother, may you rest in peace.”
