A wealthy individual reportedly lost his life after being trampled by a buffalo he was pursuing during a hunting expedition.
Asher Austin Watkins, a 52-year-old ranch owner from Texas, met his demise when a 1.3-ton Cape buffalo managed to reach him before he could take down the creature.
The affluent and avid game hunter was tracking the animal in Limpopo, South Africa, on Sunday (August 3), when it charged at him at a speed of 35mph, resulting in his death.
It is reported that the buffalo was ‘unprovoked’ and ‘unwounded’ at the time of the attack.
The luxurious trip, valued at nearly $10,000, was arranged by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, as confirmed by The Daily Mail, which verified Watkins’ passing.
According to the report, Watkins’ family, including his mother Gwen, stepfather Tony, and brother Amon, were awaiting his return at the safari lodge when the tragic incident occurred.
Coenraad Vermaak Safaris’ Hunter Hans Vermaak stated: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA.
“On Sunday, 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,” the statement continued. “He was tracking it together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers. This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his loved ones.”
“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,” Vermaak concluded.
The company also informed that Watkins’ daughter, Savannah, and his ex-wife Courtney have been notified about the event.
Courtney shared, in a now-removed Facebook post, that the incident is difficult to comprehend.
“It’s a reality that’s still hard to put into words. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the days ahead, especially for Savannah as she grieves her dad,” she wrote, as reported by PEOPLE. “We’ve been in a state of shock and heartbreak ever since, trying to process not just the loss, but the complexity that comes with it.”
Family friend Jennifer Davis also shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, noting that Asher ‘came face-to-face with one of Africa’s legendary Big Five – a Cape buffalo’.
“In a moment as fearless as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a man of courage, faith, and adventure,” she wrote. “If you knew Asher, you knew his faith, his adventurous spirit, and that signature wink that always let you know he was up to something.
“He loved his daughter, Savannah, more than life itself. Asher was a steady presence in the lives of those who knew him.”
Watkins Ranch Group, where he served as managing director, described him as a successful realtor in the ranch industry and a ‘proud and devoted father’ with a passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and travel.
UNILAD has reached out to Coenraad Vermaak Safaris for further comments.