Texas Millionaire Rancher Fatally Gored By Buffalo During South African Hunting Safari
Asher Watkins, 52, was on a guided safari hosted by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris in South Africa's Limpopo Province on Aug. 3 when the animal fatally gored him, the safari company said Thursday in a statement obtained by multiple outlets.
Hans Vermaak, the head of Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, confirmed Watkins' death on behalf of the company in the statement.
'It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA,' Vermaak said.
Vermaak called the deadly attack by the unwounded buffalo 'sudden and unprovoked.' The buffalo reportedly weighed 1.3-ton.
'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,' Vermaak continued. '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 noted that 'the family and our team members who were present at the time are understandably shaken' by the 'deeply traumatic incident.'
The Cape buffalo is considered 'the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa, let alone the world,' and the animal causes 'several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year,' according to the safari company's website.
The website also noted that Cape buffalos are 'known to charge unprovoked.'
Watkins founded and managed the Watkins Ranch Group, a Dallas-based firm trading that specializes in luxury ranch properties across Texas and other states.
South African authorities are investigating Watkins' death.
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