6 days ago
Texan millionaire in Africa on hunting trip gored to death by buffalo
Asher Watkins (52) was stalking a 1.3-tonne Cape buffalo in the northernmost province of Limpopo on Sunday when the animal charged aggressively toward him at 35 mph, Hunter Hans Vermaak, a spokesman for Coenraad and Vermaak Safaris, told several media outlets.
The unwounded buffalo struck and killed him instantly, according to Mr Vermaak.
It is not known whether the safari team, who were guiding their client on the hunt, shot the buffalo dead, or if it escaped back to its nearby herd.
Cape buffaloes are large, heavy cow-like animals that can weigh between 660 to 1,840 pounds and are around 4-5ft tall. Their horns are joined by a solid lump of bone across the forehead. Lions and humans are their only predators.
Mr Vermaak issued a statement on behalf of CV Safaris, saying: 'It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that 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.'
Mr Watkins' social media pages are littered with images of game catches, from slain desert mule deer to hundreds of dead snow geese.
According to reports, CV Safaris has notified Watkins' ex-wife, Courtney, and their teenage daughter, Savannah, who is believed to be 16 years old.
Watkins and his ex were reportedly still close and shared custody of their daughter following their split in 2013.
His business, Watkins Ranch Group, sells luxury ranches, farms, and land priced in the millions across Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
A close friend of the realtor said: 'He spent every spare moment he could with Savannah and shared his life with her, and nobody could love a daughter more than he did. She will be broken to lose Asher, who was her best friend as well as her dad,' the Daily Mail reported.
Watkin's immediate family, including his mother Gwen, brother Amon, and stepfather Tony, were all at the upmarket safari lodge when they were told the tragic news. His daughter is said to be 'in bits' following the news. (© The Independent)
