New details have emerged after a millionaire big game hunter was killed by a 200 stone buffalo in South Africa.
American Asher Watkins, 52, went on the Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS) trip last Sunday (3 July) along with a professional hunter and an animal tracker.
Watkins had been tracking the large buffalo when it attacked him. As it charged at him with great speed, bear in mind that cape buffalo can run up to 37mph, the hunter was killed instantly.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA," CVS said in a statement.
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"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."
They added: "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."
Now, South African Police has revealed that the buffalo was killed almost immediately after it collided with Watkins, who 'had serious injuries to his stomach and his side'.
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As reported by the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for the force explained that the 'buffalo appeared to have been killed by a single bullet' by the other hunter as it lay down next to him.
The businessman's daughter, Savannah, and his ex-wife, Courtney, were notified of his death, as the pair said on social media that they had been 'in a state of shock and heartbreak ever since'.
Away from hunting, Watkins made his money by selling luxury Texan ranches worth as much as £30 million.
A buffalo hunt, however, is always an extremely dangerous operation, as CVS say on their website that 'no species on the planet has a more fearsome reputation'.
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"Crafty and belligerent, he seeks refuge in thickets when wounded or when danger approaches. Buffalo are known to charge unprovoked so prepare for the worst," they explained.
"Buffalo have earned their reputation and can absorb astounding amounts of lead even when shots are well placed and a charging buffalo comes at an alarming speed.
"Cool nerves and a steady hand are crucial' said the company running his doomed trip."
Topics: US News, Animals, World News
Anish Vij