Snake experts to search for missing Cobra

Austin's Animal Protection Office is gathering a team of snake experts to search for a missing monocled cobra. The team of herpetologist will start their search in the Lowe's parking lot Friday around 8 a.m. Authorities say the snake belonged to Grant Thompson, 18, and likely escaped from his car on Tuesday night. 

Thompson was found unconscious in his car which was parked at the end of the lot outside of Lowe's at I-35 and Parmer. The teenager from Temple was taken to a Round Rock hospital where he died. Investigators say it's possible Thompson died from a snake bite but they won't know for sure until the preliminary autopsy results come back which could be Friday. 

Thompson's family owned the Fish Bowl Pet Express in Temple where he worked. 

"When a lot of the kids were playing football or dodgeball animals were always his love from an early age," said Charlie Kimmey who works as the Executive Director of the Ralph Wilson Youth Club. 

Kimmey is a family friend of the Thompson's. Grant used to be one of the youth club kids and as he got older he would give animal presentations to other campers. 

"It's kind of like a gut punch. You are sick as your stomach and so sad that he's gone," said Kimmey. 
     
The 18-year-old gave his final presentation to youth club kids last week. Counselors would bus the kids to the pet store. 

"He was very careful and very safe that was something he was adamant about. Certain animals he wouldn't let the kids get close to," said Kimmey about the presentations.

Visitation for Thompson is scheduled for    Sunday with a funeral to follow on Monday at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Temple.