A millionaire big game hunter was gored to death by a buffalo he was hunting on Safari in South Africa.
Asher Watkins, 52, from Texas, was tracking the massive 2,800 pound buffalo on the 50,000-acre Bambisana concession when the animal charged at him and delivered a deadly blow killing Watkins almost instantly.
Hunter Hans Vermaak, the spokesperson for the Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, the company that organized the hunt, confirmed Watkins’ death in a statement to Metro US.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA,” Hans Vermaak said. “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.
“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.”
Cape buffalos in the area are nicknamed the ‘Black Death’ because they are responsible for causing nearly 200 deaths or injuries to hunters each year surpassing lions, rhinos and crocodiles, according to The Coenraad Vermaak Safaris website.
Watkins has a passion for hunting and regular post photos of his kills to social media.