GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. — A deadly encounter with a snake has claimed the life of a hiker at Savage Gulf State Park.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, August 8, when the man, hiking along the trail roughly half a mile in, picked up what is believed to be a timber rattlesnake and was promptly bitten on the hand.
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Rescuers from multiple agencies—including Grundy EMS, Palmer Fire & Rescue, volunteer firefighters, and park rangers—were able to locate him and began administering CPR immediately before rushing him to a nearby hospital . Despite their efforts, he later died from his injuries at the medical facility.
Officials have not disclosed the victim’s identity. Grundy County Emergency Management Agency Director Matthew Griffith expressed condolences, saying,
“The family will be in our thoughts and prayers”
While Tennessee is home to four venomous snake species, authorities suspect the snake involved in the incident was a timber rattler, though pygmy rattlesnakes also inhabit the area. Griffith noted that the victim likely experienced an allergic reaction to the venom, which may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Griffith used the incident to remind outdoor enthusiasts of the importance of caution: carrying basic first-aid supplies, avoiding handling wildlife, and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten are essential practices.
To provide a broader context, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that venomous snakebites result in approximately 7,000–8,000 injuries and about five deaths per year nationwide.
