A snake lover whose body was found near his pet python was suffocated to death, it has been revealed.
Tragic Dan Brandon, 31, was discovered at his home in Church Crookham, Fleet, in the room in which he kept his snakes, with the pet out of his pen. Church Crookham is a suburban village about 40 miles from the center of London.
It was confirmed to The Sun that there is an investigation into whether the python was involved in Brandon’s death.
On Monday authorities confirmed Dan had died of asphyxiation.
Non-venomous pythons kill by wrapping around their pray and squeezing them to death.
Brandon’s inquest was opened in a minute-long hearing before being adjourned until next month.
The coroner’s official told The Sun: “The post-mortem has come back and the inquest was opened.”
“His cause of death was asphyxia and he was identified by his mom and dad.”
“The full inquest will happen next month.”
A different source added today: “The snake is still part of the death investigation. It definitely hasn’t been ruled out.”
Police described Brandon as being seriously injured when they found him dead.
Brandon’s social media presence show him with a number of snakes around his neck.
A JustGiving page set up in memory of him is raising money for the World Wildlife fund in his honor.
It reads “Dan unexpectedly passed away at home.”
“He was obsessed with snakes, spiders, birds and all wildlife.”
“Dan… We will all miss you so much.”
A spokesman for Hampshire Police told The Sun: “We were called to an address in Church Crookham. A 31-year-old man had suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.”
“The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”