Social media influencer Mike Holston, known online as 'the Real Tarzann', has been hospitalised following a skydiving accident. The wildlife content creator, who boasts over 16 million Instagram followers, shared an update on Saturday showing himself lying on a gurney with his right leg bandaged and a neck brace.
In the post, Holston wrote: 'Yesterday I had a Skydiving accident I’ll probably be out for a few weeks! I’m pretty banged up at the moment in some pretty good pain but just happy to be alive.' He later posted videos on his Instagram Story, describing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing for several hours, but assured fans he was recovering steadily.
Holston is known for videos interacting with reptiles and primates, often promoting wildlife conservation. However, he faced criticism in September after posting a video of himself chasing and wrestling a freshwater crocodile in Australia. Animal advocacy group CROC condemned the act, stating it was 'distressing for the animal' and set a 'dangerous precedent'.
Bob Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin, also criticised the video, saying Holston had 'no clue' about handling crocodiles and that such actions were illegal interference with protected fauna. Holston defended the video, claiming the crocodile was released after a few photos and that he did not encourage others to recreate his stunts.
