Brian Barczyk, a renowned YouTuber and reptile enthusiast known for his wildlife videos, posted a goodbye video on YouTube. The YouTuber announced he is preparing to enter hospice care due to a battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving fans heartbroken.
Barczyk, 54, shared a 16-minute montage of his beloved animal videos. He titled the video “This is Goodbye” as he signed off for the final time. “It’s been an amazing journey,” the YouTuber said as he struggled to breathe. “One that has changed my life like you can’t believe.”
The owner of “The Reptarium” in Utica, Michigan, posted the video on Friday, January 12, 2024. However, before the video, he has had a nearly year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Barczyk thanked his 5.25 million followers for visiting his Michigan reptile zoo and supporting his work.
“You never die until the last person speaks your name,” he said in the tearful video. “My hope is that the LegaSea Aquarium, my legacy throughout everything, is going to last a long time.” In addition, Barczyk said his team will continue to post videos on the channel after his death.
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He also said he hopes fans will continue to show up for the content. “We’re going to tell great stories, and we’re going to inspire people whether it’s me or not,” he said. “I hope you will continue to watch the vlog.” Barczyk also expressed his wish to be able to see the work through.
However, he noted that he’s happy if people support the animals. “I wish I was going to be there manning the front of it,” he said. “But let’s keep getting people to love animals and wildlife, have experiences, and dedicate their lives to animals. If that happens, I’m happy.”
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Doctors diagnosed the YouTuber with stage 4 cancer nearly a year ago, and he noted it has not been easy. “This last year has been difficult with my cancer, with the ups and downs of treatment,” he said. “We really thought we could beat this.”
He revealed he was going into hospice in the video. However, he told fans not to worry about his death as he “had Jesus” and was going to “spend eternity in Heaven.” Barczyk also spoke about the illness, noting it was terrible. “I’m ready, guys. It was a tough year,” he said through tears.
“It was so painful, the pain was incredible, the sickness was incredible,” he added. “The treatment was incredible; everything about it was so bad.” Days before filming the video, Doctors admitted Barczyk to the hospital. The YouTuber said he “knew this was it” after suffering from strokes and vision loss, among other ailments.
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In addition, Barczyk thanked his wife for supporting him in his “end days.” He said the LegaSea Aquarium is also her legacy. Although Barczyk might not make it, his newest venture, the LegaSea Aquarium, will open by March. “I’m not going to be there to see the opening,” he said. “Unfortunately, you won’t see me in the future.”
Barczyk’s goodbye video quickly garnered attention, and heartbroken fans flooded the comment section. While some revealed they sobbed while watching the video, others admitted they couldn’t see it. “Thank you, Brian, for all you’ve done for herpetology! I love you, man. You’re an inspiration to us all,” they wrote.
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