Barczyk made many contributions to the animal world. Along with making popular YouTube videos about reptile species, he also founded The Reptarium, a reptile zoo in Michigan, as well as LegaSea, which is currently in the process of being built. In addition, the animal enthusiast owned the world’s third-largest collection of snakes, with over 30,000 in his possession, according to People.
First announcing his diagnosis in a March 2023 YouTube video, Barcyzk documented his cancer journey on the channel until Jan. 5, when he shared that he would be entering hospice care.
“I pray that you guys will continue to watch the vlog, continue to follow along, because nothing is going to change,” Barczyk said in the 16-minute clip. “Our message is the same. The only difference is that you’re not going to see me. But trust me, I’m ready, guys. It was a tough year. It was so painful.”
He added, “You know the only way I was probably going to beat this cancer was this way. It wasn’t because I gave up. I didn’t give up. I was ready. It was such a battle… I’m telling you, I’m a tough person, and I don’t know how people do it. It’s so hard.”
