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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Son of late Kentucky snake handler recovering from rattlesnake bite

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photo Cody Coots, 21, speaks about the Full Gospel Tabernacle In Jesus Name church located in Middlesboro, Ky.

See “Even Unto Death,” our special report on snake handlers’ faith.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The son of a snake-handling Kentucky preacher who died from a snakebite says he’s recovering from his own rattlesnake wound.

Cody Coots tells the Lexington Herald-Leader he was bitten on a finger as he removed snakes from a cage on Monday.

The 21-year Coots says he declined medical treatment from an ambulance crew. Instead, he says he relied on prayer for healing.

Coots says he told the Lord he wouldn’t go to the hospital.