Reality Star Bitten by Deadly Rattlesnake, Refuses Treatment

Cody Coots is turning to God, not doctors, to save him from a deadly rattlesnake bite.

Coots, who appeared on the National Geographic reality show “Snake Salvation,” is the son of Jamie Coots, the Pentecostal preacher who died after receiving a similar bite in February.

After his father's death, Cody took over as pastor at Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name Church in Middlesboro, KY.

The 21-year-old told the Lexington-Herald Leader that he was cleaning the reptile cages at his father's home when a rattler got loose and bit his right hand.

His hand began swelling and turned black. He immediately began vomiting. At least 20 members of his church rushed to his side and began praying.

"I was really scared at first, thinking dad just died, I'm hoping and praying I don't die here," he said.

Coots requested an ambulance so he could formally refuse treatment. "I told the Lord that I wouldn't go to the hospital.”

He conceded that he would undergo medical treatment only if he lost consciousness, but he never did.

He is starting to feel better. The pain has subsided and he has regained his appetite. Watch Cody's interview with a local news station.