American Hunter Killed by Charging Cape Buffalo in South Africa
- A Texas game hunter was killed by a charging Cape buffalo during a safari in South Africa’s Limpopo province
- Asher Watkins, 52, was fatally injured while tracking the animal with a professional guide and tracker
- The incident reignited concerns over the deadly risks posed by Cape buffaloes, known for their unpredictable aggression
An American game hunter was fatally injured by a Cape buffalo during a hunting expedition in South Africa’s Limpopo province, according to a statement released by the safari company that organised the trip.
Asher Watkins, 52, of Texas, died on Sunday, 3 August, while tracking a 1.3-ton Cape buffalo alongside a professional hunter and a tracker from Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CV Safaris).
Source: Getty Images
The company confirmed the incident in a statement shared with Metro and other outlets.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA,” CV Safaris said.
Cape buffalo charges at 35 mph, killing man
CV Safaris reported that the buffalo launched a sudden and unprovoked attack, charging at Watkins at an estimated speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). The animal had not been wounded prior to the incident, the company noted.
“On Sunday 3rd August, while on a hunting safari with us in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo he was tracking together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers,” the statement added.
The company described the event as “devastating” and said it was providing support to Watkins’s family members both in South Africa and the United States.
“This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” CV Safaris said. “We are doing everything we can to support the family members who are here with us and those back in the United States as they navigate this tragic loss.”
Family members present at Safari lodge
According to Metro, Watkins’s brother Amon, mother Gwen, and stepfather Tony were waiting for him at the safari lodge when the fatal attack occurred. CV Safaris also confirmed it had been in contact with Watkins’s teenage daughter and his ex-wife, Courtney.
Courtney Watkins reportedly acknowledged her ex-husband’s death on social media, writing that he died “suddenly in a tragic accident involving a Cape buffalo while on a hunting trip in South Africa”.
“It’s a reality that’s still hard to put into words,” she added. “Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the days ahead.”
Cape Buffaloes known for deadly reputation
A warning on the CV Safaris website highlights the dangers associated with hunting Cape buffaloes, stating that no species has a more fearsome reputation.
“No species on the planet has a more fearsome reputation than a Cape buffalo,” the site reads, noting that the animals are “responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year”.
Watkins remembered as outdoorsman and devoted father
Watkins, a Baylor University graduate and managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group—affiliated with Briggs Freeman and LIV Sotheby’s International Realty—was described in his company biography as someone who “spent the better part of his life in the outdoors and on ranches” and a “proud and devoted father”.
His Facebook page featured numerous hunting photos, including images of deer and mountain lions he had killed.
Source: Facebook
Newly married man killed by police officer
Legit.ng earlier reported that Donbraye Akangbou, a newly married man would never have imagined he won't see the end of the year 2013 as he died after a police officer accidentally shot him in the stomach in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The deceased an employee of Lunberg Services Ltd located behind Coca Cola in Port Harcourt was settling a dispute when a Joint Task Force officer shot him at close range on Wednesday.
He was immediately rushed to BMH A & E hospital but his treatment was delayed due to lack of police report.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
