Snake bites man in house

Lockyer victim identified as Vincent Price

who died at the weekend after being bitten by a snake has been identified as neighbours reveal how the tragic incident occurred.

Vincent Price, who died at his home at Kensington Grove, has been described as a “lovely bloke, very nice and very friendly”.

Mr Price, who was aged in his 60s, died at his home on Eileen Crt about 9.50am on Saturday after he was bitten by a snake while watching TV at his home.

Neighbour Michelle Vedredi said the details were very sad.

“He was watching TV with his wife,” she said. “She saw it. He grabbed it.”

It is understood he then tried to release the snake into the wild.

“That’s when it must have turned around and bitten him, he got in the car. And came straight home and collapsed inside,” Ms Vedredi said.

“His wife rang triple-0, did CPR. But it was too late. Ambos came (and) they tried CPR too.”

Ms Vedredi said Mr Price knew how to handle snakes because he had pythons of his own.

“He just wanted to come home,” she said.

The man was set to have his 38th anniversary with his wife in the next few months.

His other neighbour Natalya, said Mr Price was survived by his wife and a daughter and son.

“He used to walk up and down the street often, and we would always talk to him.

“He was a lovely bloke, very nice and very friendly.”

She said the whole neighbourhood had rallied to support the family.

“If they need anything, we are a family in this street, we can help,” she said.

“All the neighbours are out in support and will do anything we can for them.”

The incident comes as overnight on Tuesday three snake bites were reported in Redlands, Bundaberg and Cairns.

Recent data from the Queensland Ambulance Service has revealed there had been 97 snake bites in 2023 so far, with 846 in 2022.

A QAS spokesman said in the warmer months paramedics saw an increase in snake bite responses.

“It’s important to know snake bite first aid and have appropriate equipment, especially if you live on a remote property where it may take longer for a paramedic to reach you,” he said.

“Avoid washing a snake bite wound – the hospital may need to test the bandage for venom to identify the type of snake.”

He said snake bites occurred on lower limbs and many happened when people were trying to move a snake.

“Snake bite signs are not always visible but may include puncture marks, bleeding or scratches,” he said.

“You should also try to bandage over the snake bite firmly, then work up the limb starting at the extremities (fingers and toes). Splint the limb to keep it straight and advise the patient to avoid unnecessary movements.”