Snake handler found dead with huge pet python by his body WAS suffocated to death as cops continue to probe whether reptile was the killer
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.
It was confirmed to The Sun yesterday that there is an investigation into whether the python was involved in Dan's death.
And today authorities confirmed Dan had died of asphyxiation.
Non-venomous pythons kill by wrapping round their pray and squeezing them to death.
Dan's inquest was opened in a minute-long hearing before being adjourned to 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 mum 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 gentle Dan as being seriously injured when they found him dead.
The Sun's exclusive on the snake riddle made worldwide news this morning, with outlets as far as America and Australia following up our story.
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Dan'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 WWF in his honour.
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.”
Prey gets squeezed
PYTHONS usually live for up to 25 years in caves or trees near the equator.
They are non-venomous and hunt livestock including pigs, goats, dogs, cats, monkeys, cats and chickens.
Pythons have been known to attack people when they feel threatened.
They squeeze their prey to death before swallowing it whole. Some pythons only need to eat four or five times a year.
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