Popular animal influencer Mike Holston, famed online as 'The Real Tarzann', has been hospitalised following a serious skydiving accident. The media personality, who boasts a following of 16.5 million on Instagram, was rushed to the emergency room and took to social media on Saturday to update his concerned fans.
Hospital Updates and 'Pretty Good Pain'
Holston shared an image from a hospital gurney, giving a thumbs-up to the camera, and admitted to his followers that he was 'in some pretty good pain'. In a candid caption, he wrote: 'Yesterday I had a Skydiving accident I'll probably be out for a few weeks! Will make a full update video on what went wrong in my bio ! I'm pretty banged up at the moment in some pretty good pain but just happy to be alive.'
He followed this with a characteristically defiant message, telling his audience: 'I know a lot of yall want to see me down but don't count on it too long enjoy while you can!'
Recovery in Progress
Further updates came via his Instagram Stories, where he posted a series of short video clips. Holston was filmed through a window in a small hospital room, lying in bed wearing a neck brace with one leg heavily wrapped. When asked about his pain level, he responded positively, stating: 'Gettin' there. Getting better.'
He elaborated on the severity of the incident, revealing: 'I was f***ed up for like three hours. I couldn't even breathe. My chest was killing me.' In another heartfelt slide, he addressed his fans directly: 'What's up family? Thank God all is well. They didn't get me off this Earth today, but love you all, happy holidays.'
Holston sought to reassure everyone, adding: 'Nothing to worry about. Just another rough day in the office. I love you all. And hopefully we will see you all soon.'
A History of High-Risk Encounters and Backlash
This incident is not the first time Holston's adventurous spirit has landed him in hot water. Back in September, he faced significant backlash and an official investigation after posting videos of encounters with crocodiles during a trip to Australia.
In the controversial clips, he was seen chasing a freshwater crocodile through shallow water and wrestling a young saltwater crocodile on a riverbank in Lockhart River. One of the animals bit him, leaving a wound on his elbow. The stunts were condemned by wildlife officers and animal welfare groups for endangering both Holston and the protected reptiles.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) labelled his behaviour 'incredibly cruel' and 'unfathomably stupid', calling for him to be deported from Australia. The fallout led to growing pressure on immigration authorities to review his visa status, with echoes from other activists including Bob Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin.
Under Queensland law, deliberately disturbing crocodiles can result in fines of up to $26,615, and authorities confirmed an investigation was underway.
A Philosophy of Perseverance
Holston's approach to life's challenges was previously outlined during an appearance on The School of Greatness podcast. He spoke about the importance of relentless perseverance, stating: 'Go ahead again. Keep going down until you win. That's the way of life... You don't lose!'
He argued against creating a 'cycle of yourself just quitting', emphasising that a winning mentality can be applied to all aspects of life, from spiritual and mental to financial and relational.
As he recovers from his latest brush with danger, his massive online audience awaits further updates on his condition and the promised explanation of what went wrong during the fateful skydive.
