Australian man dies after snake bite at computer

A 43-year-old Gingin man has died from a tiger snake bite after he was bitten on the toe as he sat at his computer. Michael Thorpe was sitting at his home computer when he was bitten by a tiger snake, believed to be just 30cm long.

It is believed that Mr Thorpe's six-year-old daughter was in the house at the time and instead of seeking immediate medical help, he put his daughter's safety ahead of his. Mr Thorpe died shortly after arriving at Joondalup Health Campus.

Gingin Police Sergeant Scott Gillis warned that as the weather has warmed up snakes have become more active and can seek out shelter inside dwellings. Sergeant Gillis also warned of delaying treatment if bitten.

"That allowed the venom to spread more that he didn't seek medical attention straight away," Sgt Gillis said. There have been 77 people treated for snake bite already this spring in WA.