Serpent-handling pastor dies hours after he's bitten by a RATTLESNAKE - nearly 30 years after his father died the same way

Mack Randall Wolford, 44, died after being bitten at 'homecoming' service on Sunday



Neighbours say Wolford was aware of the danger posed by handling rattlesnakes

Had been bitten three times before, but never sought medical attention



A Pentecostal reverend known for preaching with the help of a rattlesnake coiled around his arm lost his life when one of the creatures suddenly bit him.

Mack Randall Wolford, pastor at the Full Gospel Apostolic House of the Lord Jesus in Matoaka, West Virginia, died hours after receiving the deadly bite on Sunday - the day after his 44th birthday.

Wolford’s father, who was also a serpent-handling pastor, died in the same way nearly 30 years ago.

Scroll down to watch a video of Wolford preaching

Deadly bite: Mack Randall Wolford, pictured at a previous service, was killed hours after receiving the deadly bite on Sunday.

Wolford had been bitten three times before, but never sought medical attention, saying that a bite was a test of his faith. It was his wish not to be taken to a hospital unless absolutely necessary.

But by the time he was taken to Bluefield Regional Medical Center, it was too late.



Wolford was holding a 'homecoming' service outdoors at Panther State Forest about 70 miles away from Matoaka while handing the rattler, which is seen by his followers as a sign of faith.

The gathering was a yearly occurrence for Wolford, who joined relatives to celebrate faith and family before sitting down together for dinner during the Memorial Day weekend.

He leaves behind his wife Fran and three stepchildren.



The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported that Wolford had set the serpent down during the service when it suddenly jerked forward and bit him on the thigh.

Celebration: Wolford clutched the rattlers during his congrgation as a sign of faith

Serpent: Rattlesnakes are seen in Wolford's congregation as a test of faith

Wolford had reportedly owned the timber rattlesnake, named Sheba, for several years, taking care of it in his home and introducing it to his followers during his services.

Videos posted to YouTube show the preacher dancing in previous services while holding the snake.



His unique celebrations were held regularly for his followers - who numbered between five and 30 - most of whom were members of his family.



Wolford owned several snakes, which he cared for in his home, according to filmmaker Kate Fowler, who was shooting a documentary about him called With Signs Following.

Ritual: Wolford danced with rattlesnakes during his outdoor services in West Virginia



In an interview with MailOnline, Ms Fowler, who has worked on the documentary for about a year, described Wolford as 'articulate, well-read, intelligent and charismatic.'

She said that despite handling venomous snakes, he did his best to make his guests feel comfortable.



Ms Fowler said: 'It was pretty scary the first time I was at a service, but I've never seen him put anyone in a bad situation.'

A young resident of Matoaka, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Telegraph: 'I know [Wolford] was really bad off before he died... it was really bad. He’s worshiped at that church all his life.



Fearless: Wolford did his best to make guests at his services feel comfortable, even though he handled venomous snakes

'His daddy passed away the same way, from a rattler. He knew the risks. All of us around here are that way.'

Wolford was only 15 at the time of his father's death, but later took on his mantle.

His devastated mother, who was present at the service when he was bitten, was always fearful for her son, but was extremely proud of his work with those who battled alcoholism and addiction, Ms Fowler said.

BEWARE THE RATTLER

There are dozens of species of rattlesnakes across the U.S., and they are the largest among venomous snakes. They usually only sound their noisy rattles if they feel cornered, threatened or taken by surprise. Rattlesnake bites are usually not fatal, as long as they are treated quickly. If bitten, victims are advised to remain calm, as a quickened heart rate can spread the venom throughout the body faster. Rattlesnakes love to sun themselves, and can be found near logs, boulders, or open areas, and in areas like mountains, prairies, deserts, and beaches, according to the CDC.

A nursing supervisor at Bluefield Regional Medical Center told the Charleston Daily Mail that Wolford was admitted to the facility at about 10:30pm on Sunday night.

The supervisor told the paper: 'He was a snake handler. It looked like it happened maybe during church, but by the time he got here, it was a bad situation.'



Ms Fowler was in the process of a final edit With Signs Following, but is still deciding how to approach Wolford's death in the documentary.

Neighbours told the Daily Telegraph that Wolford, like other snake-handling preachers, was fully aware of the danger posed by the reptile.



There are dozens of species of rattlesnakes, which are the largest of all venomous snakes in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The timber rattlesnake, widely regarded as the most dangerous of the species, are common to deciduous forests as far north as Connecticut and as far south as Texas.

It is unlawful to kill a timber rattlesnake, as it is an endangered species.

While rattlers are behind the most common snakebite injuries in the United States, they are rarely fatal if treated quickly.

Dangerous: Wolford owned a timber rattlesnake, similar to the one shown here