Real Tarzann Survives Skydiving Mishap, Says He's "Grateful to Be Alive"

Animal influencer Mike “The Real Tarzann” Holston stated he is “grateful to be alive” following injuries sustained in a skydiving incident.On Saturday, December 27, Holston, 32, shared concerning photos and videos of himself lying in traction on a hospital gurney after the frightening mishap. One image showed Holston giving a thumbs up to the camera while seemingly grimacing in discomfort.Holston has not yet provided specific details regarding his skydiving accident, though he has promised to create a full video explaining “what occurred” once he’s released from the hospital.British influencer Holly H was hospitalized; “Receiving the Care That She Needs.”“I’m quite sore at the moment and experiencing considerable pain, but simply thankful to be here,” he confessed. “I know many of you hoped to see me down, but don’t anticipate it happening for long; enjoy while you can!”Us Weekly has reached out to Holston for comment.Numerous Holston’s Instagram followers expressed well wishes in the comment section, with many urging him to “rest” for a “swift recovery.”“Nobody is taking out my brother; he’ll be back stronger than ever soon,” influencer Eli Wehbe assured Holston.Musician Spence added, “Man, brother, glad it wasn’t worse! Get well.”“Brother, we love you. We need you alive… So glad you’re okay,” influencer Jay Richardson chimed in.Holston posted some even more alarming videos via his Instagram Story on Saturday. In one clip, Holston was shown lying flat and completely motionless on a gurney.In another Instagram Story, Holston wore a neck brace as he shook his head in disappointment and declared: “Seriously, man. [They’re] making me sit down, so I have no choice but to comply.”“[My pain level] is improving, it’s getting better,” he said in the video. “I was really messed up for like three hours. I couldn’t even breathe. My chest was killing me.”In a follow-up video, Holston had the neck brace removed and was sitting upright. He gave the camera a double thumbs up as he offered positive news on his condition.“Thankfully, everything is alright; they didn’t take me off this earth today,” he told viewers. “I love you all. Happy holidays.”The Real Tarzann added, “Nothing to worry about! Just another rough day at the office. I love you all and hopefully we’ll see you all soon.”Holston finished the upbeat update by blowing a kiss towards the camera.The influencer is recognized for his exotic travel videos where he encounters some of the world’s most dangerous animals. The skydiving accident is far from the first time Holston has put himself in danger — as his vlogs have shown him interacting with a Sumatran King Cobra and allowing another King Cobra to wrap itself around his neck.Despite the potentially dangerous stunts shown via his social media, The Real Tarzann frequently cautions his viewers not to attempt his stunts at home. However, he has faced criticism from some animal rights advocates for his handling of the creatures in his content.Aside from his animal-themed YouTube vlog, Holston made headlines in 2021 for agreeing to face UFC legend Vitor Belfort in an MMA exhibition match for charity, but the proposed fight was ultimately canceled. Belfort ended up fighting boxing legend and Dancing With the Stars alum Evander Holyfield in September 2021 to compensate for his cancelled match with Holston.