A pastor known for handling snakes, featured on a reality TV show, passed away following a rattlesnake bite and rejection of medical treatment. Jamie Coots, residing in Kentucky, gained fame through National Geographic’s “Snake Salvation” program, advocating that snakes pose no harm to believers anointed by God. Despite past injuries and deaths in his congregation from snake bites, Coots remained steadfast in his belief, citing a biblical passage about handling serpents without harm.
Tragically, in February 2014, Coots was bitten by a rattlesnake during a church service but refused medical assistance, leading to his demise later that day. Witnesses recounted that Coots had been holding the snake when it bit him rapidly. His son mentioned Coots had survived multiple bites previously, highlighting the unexpected and swift nature of this particular incident.
Coots’ history included a probationary sentence in 2013 for transporting venomous snakes across state lines and an arrest in 2008 for possessing 74 snakes illegally. Despite the risks and legal challenges, Coots’ dedication to his faith remained unwavering, as noted by colleagues and media reports. His death, viewed as a martyrdom by some, is expected to fuel continued interest in the practice of snake handling among certain religious groups.
While National Geographic acknowledged Coots’ commitment to his beliefs and the unique insight into his religious practices provided by their show, the tragic event shed light on the secretive and longstanding tradition of snake handling in regions like West Virginia. The practice, rooted in faith and tradition for over a century, is maintained with great privacy and reverence by its practitioners.