Texas real estate mogul and trophy hunter, Asher Watkins, was tragically k!lled by a Cape buffalo during a guided safari hunt in South Africa over the weekend, according to multiple reports
The 52-year-old Dallas-based ranch broker was participating in a hunting expedition at the Bambisana concession in Limpopo Province, an area known for its wild buffalo herds, when the incident occurred on Sunday.
According to a statement from Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, Watkins was on foot with a professional guide when a buffalo charged “unexpectedly and without provocation.”
“The buffalo came from cover at high speed and gored Mr. Watkins fatally before any evasive action could be taken. It was a tragic and rare incident,” the company said, as quoted by The Guardian.
Emergency responders pronounced Watkins de.ad at the scene. His mother, stepfather, and brother, who were staying nearby at the safari camp, were immediately informed and have since returned to the United States.
Watkins was known as an avid hunter and conservation advocate, and he built a successful career brokering multimillion-dollar ranch properties across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas through his company, Watkins Ranch Group.
He was also a prominent member of the Dallas Safari Club, regularly participating in big-game hunts and conservation programs.
His ex-wife, Courtney Watkins, paid an emotional tribute on social media:
“Our daughter Savannah has lost her hero. Asher di.ed doing what he loved, but the hole he leaves in our lives is immeasurable.”
Speaking to People Magazine, she added: “Asher was a deeply spiritual and generous man. He believed in protecting the land, the animals, and providing for his family. He loved the wild, but we never imagined it would take him.”
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RIP
SAD