Brian Barczyk dead at 54: YouTuber and Reptarium owner dies of cancer days after tearful goodbye video as fans mourn
BELOVED YouTuber Brian Barczyk has died at age 54, just days after sharing a gut-wrenching goodbye video where he announced he entered hospice care.
Barczyk, who owned The Reptarium - a reptile zoo in Utica, Michigan, about 28 miles north of Detroit, died on Monday, his team announced.
"On behalf of the Barczyk family and our entire team at The Reptarium, it is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Brian Barczyk," the heartbreaking Instagram post read.
"More than the guiding light of our organization, Brian’s fervent passion for reptiles and wildlife, along with his steadfast dedication to education, has touched innumerable hearts and minds globally.
"Our deepest sympathies are with Brian’s family, his friends, and all those whose lives he has touched.
"We’ve lost an exceptional individual – a visionary, mentor, and friend. For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian’s absence leaves an immeasurable void.
"As we navigate this difficult time, we find comfort in the memories and the lasting light of Brian’s work. He will be deeply missed but indeed, never forgotten."
The reptile enthusiast was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer nearly a year ago.
On Friday, he shared the video, This is Goodbye, to his 5 million YouTube followers as he signed off for the final time.
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