A pastor known for handling snakes and starring in a reality TV show met a tragic end after being bitten by a rattlesnake and refusing medical treatment. Jamie Coots, from Kentucky, believed that handling serpents was a demonstration of faith and protection from harm as long as believers were anointed by God. Despite previous incidents where he and others were bitten, Coots continued handling various venomous snakes like copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths.
Coots’ unwavering faith was based on a passage in Mark’s gospel that suggested believers could handle serpents without harm. In February 2014, during a church service, Coots was bitten by a rattlesnake on the hand. Although an ambulance was called, Coots had left for home before paramedics arrived. When emergency services returned later that day, they found Coots had passed away.
Witnesses reported that Coots had been bitten while handling the snake and had refused medical intervention due to his faith. Despite previous snakebite incidents, Coots’ family believed he would recover as he had before. However, this time, the outcome was tragic and unexpected.
Before his death, Coots had faced legal troubles related to handling venomous snakes, including probation for transporting them across state lines and an arrest for keeping numerous snakes in his home. His passing was seen as a martyrdom by some within the snake-handling community, who vowed to continue the practice in his honor.
National Geographic, the network that aired the show “Snake Salvation” featuring Coots, paid tribute to his dedication and faith despite the risks involved. The tradition of snake handling, which has roots in West Virginia and spans over a century, remains a secretive practice among pastors who see it as a demonstration of their faith and commitment.