Preacher dies after Easter bite by rattler

[John_White]

ASSOCIATED PRESS

JONESVILLE, Va. - A preacher who refused medical treatment after a rattlesnake bit him during the serpent-handling part of an Easter service has died, authorities said.

The Rev. Dwayne Long, 45, of Rose Hill in far southwestern Virginia just across the state line from Kentucky's Harlan County, was holding a rattlesnake when it bit him on the back of a finger, Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons said.

Parsons said the congregation prayed for Long, but no one sought medical treatment. Long died Monday at his home.

"We don't anticipate any charges at this time," Parsons said. "That's their belief."

Long was pastor of a Pentecostal church where members interpret serpent-handling as a form of obedience to God. Snake-handlers believe that when people die of a snakebite they receive during a church service, it was simply their time to go.

Long leaves a wife, five children and two grandchildren.

[NicoleRussell]

what an idiot.

[haroldo359]

an idiot sure... but strong faith. i don't think i could believe in anything that strongly.

[NicoleRussell]

Originally Posted by haroldo359

an idiot sure... but strong faith. i don't think i could believe in anything that strongly.

Except maybe the power of a rattlesnake to bite you when used for religious purposes

[louise]

people have severe problems.

[eddie]

I don't see it as stupidity or a severe problem...
It is something these people have grown up with for generations.
Repetition is the best teacher and repetition in their beliefs and the acts involved have been with them the whole way.
With the number of bites that can occur in a snake handling church, death is still uncommon, yet does happen.

They are more aware of the risks than the average beer loaded redneck with the famous last words 'Watch me ketch that there snake!'

[reptigirl04]

Yea....

Now does anyone know if they handle the snakes humanely in those churches??
I heard once that they shake 'em up alot so their in shock and they don't bite....???
Does anyone know what really goes on??

[herp_chick]

Looks like another one for BW...................PK, the Sequel. Sad about the preacher, tho.