PA Man Killed By 18-Foot Snake Was 'Brilliant, Selfless,' Family Says

UPPER MACUNGIE, PA — To those who knew him, 27-year-old Elliott Senseman had "a passion for life and lived it to the fullest." He spent years rescuing and rehabilitating snakes, and it was something he loved, according to his friends and family.

Senseman died Sunday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, four days after police were called to his Upper Macungie Township home. When authorities arrived, they found him in cardiac arrest with an 18-foot snake wrapped around his neck.

Senseman was unresponsive, prompting a police officer to shoot the snake in the head in order to free him.

The snake, an 18-foot boa constrictor or a similar snake, caused Senseman to experience an anoxic brain injury, multiple media outlets reported. His brain completely lost oxygen, the coroner's office said.

According to Senseman's obituary, he attended Kutztown University for environmental science, minoring in chemistry and geology. He also had a passion for woodworking and sculpting.

"He was creative in a way that left us in awe. He was brilliant always wanting to discuss a new method, solution, or idea with any willing or captive audience," his obituary read. "He wanted to learn as much as he wanted to teach, never feeling like he knew enough.

A GoFundMe to help Senseman's family cover funeral costs and other expenses was launched Wednesday by Jess Bryan on behalf of his mother, Heather Lesko. It raised more than $4,000 in 24 hours, according to a GoFundMe spokesperson.

On the page, Bryan said family described Senseman as "creative, brilliant, selfless, and passionate."

"He had so much more to offer this world," she said.

Funeral services for Elliott Senseman are scheduled for Friday at Illick’s Mill in Bethlehem. Visitation starts at 10:30 a.m. followed by a service at noon.

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PA Man Dies Days After Cops Shoot, Kill 18-Foot Snake Strangling Him

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