Millionaire Texas Rancher Fatally Struck by Buffalo He Was Stalking During South Africa Big Game Hunt

NEED TO KNOW

• Asher Watkins, 52, was fatally struck by a Cape buffalo during a hunting trip in South Africa
  

• Hunter Hans Vermaak, who gave a statement to the Daily Mail on behalf of CV Safaris, who reportedly organized the trip, confirmed Watkins' death and said he was killed in an "unprovoked attack"
  

• The fatal incident took place in Limpopo on Sunday, Aug. 3

An American millionaire and big game hunter has died after being killed by a buffalo during a hunting trip to South Africa.

Texan ranch trader Asher Watkins, 52, was stalking a 1.3-ton Cape buffalo in Limpopo on Sunday, Aug. 3, when the animal charged at him at 35 mph and fatally struck him, according to multiple outlets, including the Daily Mail and Metro.

The trip, reportedly worth almost $10,000, was organized by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, according to the Daily Mail. It’s unclear whether the buffalo was killed following Watkins' death or whether the animal was able to escape.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA,” Hunter Hans Vermaak said in a statement to the outlet on behalf of CV Safaris.

“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,” they added.

The statement continued, “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,” Vermaak concluded.

PEOPLE has contacted Coenraad Vermaak Safaris and the South African Police Service for comment.

According to the Daily Mail and Metro, Watkins’ mom Gwen and his stepdad, along with his brother Amon, were waiting for him at the safari lodge when the incident happened.

The safari company said they are also in touch with Watkins' teen daughter, Savannah, and his ex-wife, Courtney.

Courtney also announced his death on Facebook with an emotional tribute, which has since been removed from the social media site.

“This photo is from another time, another chapter of our lives—but it’s one that will always be a part of our daughter’s story,” she wrote alongside a throwback photo of themselves with their daughter. “On Sunday, August 3, Savannah’s father, Asher Watkins, died suddenly in a tragic accident involving a Cape buffalo while on a hunting trip in South Africa.”

“It’s a reality that’s still hard to put into words. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the days ahead, especially for Savannah as she grieves her dad,” she added. “We’ve been in a state of shock and heartbreak ever since, trying to process not just the loss, but the complexity that comes with it.”

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out, prayed, or simply held us in your thoughts. Your love has truly carried us through the hardest few days of our lives,” she continued before adding the bible verse Psalm 34:18.

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A family friend also paid tribute to their late friend and expressed their condolences to Courtney and Savannah.

"Yesterday, our dear friend Asher Austin Watkins, passed onto his reward, to be with the Lord," Jennifer Davis wrote on Facebook. "On an African hunting safari, surrounded by his beloved mother, Gwen, brother, Amon and stepdad, Tony….Asher came face-to-face with one of Africa’s legendary Big Five—a Cape buffalo."

"In a moment as fearless as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a man of courage, faith, and adventure," she added. "If you knew Asher, you knew his faith, his adventurous spirit, and that signature wink that always let you know he was up to something. He loved his daughter, Savannah, more than life itself. Asher was a steady presence in the lives of those who knew him."

Davis continued, "He leaves behind his precious daughter, Savannah and his ex-wife, Courtney, who are now facing an unimaginable loss. To help ease the load during this difficult time, a Meal Train has been set up."

Asher, who had a Facebook page dedicated to his outdoor activities, was a managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group. On the company website, the hunter was described as having expert knowledge on the "purchase and sale of Ranch and Land properties across Texas and Oklahoma."

His expertise stemmed from growing up in Dallas and working on his family's hunting and cattle ranch.

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