US Rancher Killed by Buffalo in South Africa

Asher Watkins, a 52-year-old Texas millionaire rancher and trophy hunter, was fatally gored by a 1.3-ton unwounded Cape buffalo during a licensed hunting expedition in South Africa's Limpopo province. The buffalo charged at 35 mph in a sudden, unprovoked attack, killing Watkins almost instantly despite the presence of a professional guide and tracker. Watkins' family members, including his mother, stepfather, brother, and teenage daughter, were either at the safari lodge or have received support from organizing company Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, which expressed deep condolences. The Cape buffalo, known as the 'Black Death,' is infamous for its aggression and is responsible for numerous hunter fatalities each year. Watkins, who amassed his fortune in ranch real estate and frequently shared hunting exploits online, had advocated hunting as a tool for wildlife preservation. His death has reignited debate over the ethics and dangers of trophy hunting in Africa.