Wealthy Texan Trophy Hunter Killed by Buffalo He Was Tracking—Report
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Asher Watkins, a millionaire ranch broker and prominent Texas trophy hunter, has died after being gored by a buffalo he was tracking on a hunting trip in South Africa.
A 1.3-ton Cape buffalo, sometimes called "Black Death," killed the 52-year-old last Sunday, in a "sudden and unprovoked attack," according to Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS), the company that organized the trip.
"This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," CVS hunter Hans Vermaak told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
Watkins' death highlights both the inherent dangers of big-game hunting in Africa and the ongoing debate surrounding trophy hunting by wealthy international clients.
The Cape buffalo is notorious for being one of Africa's most dangerous game animals, killing around 200 people in southern Africa a year, according to wildlife tourism site Kenya Wild Parks.
What To Know
On August 3, Watkins was on a guided safari organized by CVS in the 50,000-acre Bambisana concession of Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Watkins, his guide and a tracker were pursuing a prized Cape buffalo when the animal, said to be unwounded but increasingly agitated, charged at approximately 35 mph and gored Watkins, killing him almost instantly, according to Cape Town-based freelance journalist Jamie Pyatt.
His mother Gwen, brother Amon and stepfather Tony were waiting at the safari lodge when the incident occurred.
Watkins founded and managed the Watkins Ranch Group, a Dallas-based firm trading in luxury ranch properties across Texas and other states.
He was affiliated with real estate brands such as Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty and LIV Sotheby's International Realty, reported The Dallas Morning News.
An experienced hunter and supporter of wildlife conservation—arguing that ethical hunting sustained preservation—Watkins maintained an active membership in organizations like the Dallas Safari Club and Ducks Unlimited.
Watkins' sudden death left his ex-wife, Courtney and 16-year-old daughter, Savannah, in mourning.
File photo of a Cape or African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, hiding in the bush in Samburu National Park, Kenya, taken in 2009.
File photo of a Cape or African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, hiding in the bush in Samburu National Park, Kenya, taken in 2009.
AP
What People Are Saying
CVS hunter Hans Vermaak said in a statement to Newsweek: "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.
"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."
Close friend Shannon Wherry said online: "On an African safari with his beloved mother, brother and stepdad, Asher came face-to-face with one of Africa's legendary buffalo.
"In a moment of fearlessness as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a man of courage, faith and adventure. He loved his precious daughter Savannah more than life itself and leaves her behind and his ex-wife who are now facing an unimaginable loss.
"Please continue to lift them in prayer for peace and strength in the days ahead."
Tyler Thomas, a real estate colleague, told The Dallas Morning News: "Asher had a gregarious personality. He never met a stranger. He was not shy, and he wasn't afraid to speak his mind—which I respected. He was a loyal friend. That's Asher in a nutshell."
What Happens Next
South African authorities have opened an inquest into Watkins' death. Coenraad Vermaak Safaris is supporting the Watkins family and cooperating with local officials as the investigation continues.
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