The family of a grandfather who died after being bitten by a snake he was uncoiling from a friend's leg has released a statement thanking the community for its support.
Key points:
- Donny Morrison died on Saturday after a lethal snake bite in North Queensland
- Queensland Ambulance Service says it is suspected to have been an eastern brown snake
- Mr Morrison's family have thanked the community for their efforts to try and save Mr Morrison
Donny Morrison, 69, was attending the Koumala State School's centenary celebration, about 60 kilometres south of Mackay, on Saturday evening when the tragedy unfolded.
The family shared a statement to the event's Facebook group on Monday, thanking the community.
"Donny was a well-liked member of the Koumala community and will be missed by many," the family said.
"We all enjoyed ourselves, especially Donny, who was really happy to have caught up with so many old friends."
The family thanked those involved in the tragic incident.
"People pulled together in an attempt to resuscitate Don but unfortunately were not successful," the post said.
The Queensland Ambulance Service said the snake was suspected to be a highly venomous eastern brown snake.
Acting deputy commissioner Claire Bertenshaw said the snake bit Mr Morrison on the chest and arms, with paramedics trying to resuscitate him for 30 minutes after he went into cardiac arrest.
He died at the scene.
The friend who the snake had been coiled around was taken to Mackay Base Hospital and was discharged on Sunday.
'Confronting situation'
The family asked for anyone who was directly involved in helping Mr Morrison to reach out to them and seek professional help if needed.
"It was a confronting situation for all," the statement said.
The family also thanked the school for putting on a "wonderful celebration" and apologised that the tragedy led to the event ending early.
The Koumala State School P&C offered condolences to the Morrison family and all those involved in trying to save Mr Morrison.
"We would like to send out thoughts and wishes to the Morrison family and friends and all those involved," they said.
The school group has posted links for Beyond Blue and Lifeline and is encouraging anyone who may need professional help to process the incident to reach out.
A police spokesman said they were assisting in preparing a report for the coroner.