What Happened to Real Tarzann? Wildlife Content Creator Injured in Skydiving Crash, Shares Raw Hospital Update

Mike Holston, the American social media star widely known as The Real Tarzann, is recovering in the hospital after a major skydiving accident over the weekend.

The 32-year-old influencer shared a series of updates on Instagram from his hospital bed. He's wearing a neck brace, with limbs bandaged, stating that the fall had left him 'pretty banged up' and in severe pain.

In an initial post shared to his over 16 million followers on Instagram, Holston revealed: 'Yesterday I had a Skydiving accident I'll probably be out for a few weeks!' He assured that a more detailed video addressing what happened would be available as soon as he could manage it.

In a separate upload, he shared that at one point, he was unable to breathe for hours and that his chest was 'killing' him shortly after the fall. In a positive update, Holston informed fans that he remains conscious and alert despite his serious injuries. He said: 'Thank God all is well ... Nothing to worry about.'

Who Is Real Tarzann?

Holston gained widespread recognition on the internet by combining outdoor adventures, animal interactions, and thrilling content that captivate millions of followers on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. His videos often show him engaging with exotic wildlife, trekking through secluded terrain, and participating in stunts that challenge the boundaries of adventure and danger.

Holston describes himself as an outdoor enthusiast and wildlife lover, and his creative output typically appeals to audiences drawn to adventure and off‑beat back‑to‑nature experiences. However, this reputation has sometimes drawn scrutiny, especially from individuals worried about animal welfare and the responsibilities of online platforms.

Online Backlash and Controversy

Earlier this year, Holston sparked intense backlash online after sharing a video of himself grappling with a freshwater crocodile while visiting Queensland, Australia. In a widely circulated video on social media, Holston is seen stepping off a boat and tackling the animal in shallow water, resulting in visible injuries to him.

The incident generated a strong reaction from environmental organisations and advocates for wildlife. A local organisation, Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), has characterised the interaction as not only distressing for the animal but also in violation of the Nature Conservation Act. They emphasised the troubling implications this type of content may have on impressionable audiences.

Bob Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin, also spoke out against the stunt. He pointed out the importance of respecting wildlife and the potential repercussions of failing to do so.

Discussions on Reddit at the time regarding Holston's behaviour reveal a wider concern about what he does. One user wrote: 'Why do so many people have such a problem with just not touching the animals?' Some were also calling for punitive action, such as deportation from Australia. However, one comment said: 'He should be refused permission to depart until the investigations are over and he has paid the fines.'

Recovery, Reflection and Next Steps

As Holston makes progress in the hospital, his update posts blend comforting messages with candid reflections on the obstacles he encountered right after the accident. Supportive messages have poured in from fans, while the incident brings to light the growing debate regarding responsibility in influencer culture.

Holston has expressed his intention to resume content creation after his recovery, with a more detailed account of the skydiving incident anticipated in an upcoming video for his viewers.