Yes, a Gila monster has killed a human. While fatalities from Gila monster bites are extremely rare, a recent incident confirmed a death attributed to complications stemming from such an envenomation.
In February 2024, Christopher Ward, a 34-year-old man from Colorado, tragically died due to complications of Gila monster envenomization. The autopsy report from the Jefferson County Coroner's Office further noted that underlying heart and liver problems were also contributing factors to his death. This particular case highlights the potential, albeit infrequent, danger associated with the venom of these desert reptiles.
Gila monsters ( Heloderma suspectum) are venomous lizards native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Their venom is typically delivered through grooves in their teeth when they bite and chew, allowing the venom to flow into the wound. Bites are often painful but rarely life-threatening to healthy adults. The recent incident involving Christopher Ward serves as a significant, though uncommon, exception to this general understanding.
