Charging elephant kills Minnesota tourist
A friend confirms the victim was 80-year-old Gail Mattson of Hopkins. A tour company says a bull elephant charged a vehicle, killing Mattson and injuring another. A bull elephant charged a vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide, killing 80-year-old Gail Mattson and injuring another. The incident occurred at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia. Tour operator "Wilderness" confirmed the incident, describing it as an "aggressive" animal that rushed a tour vehicle. The driver was unable to move or escape, and another tourist was hospitalized. The victim's body will be repatriated to her family in the United States.
Published : a month ago by Dana Thiede in Travel Science
A friend confirms the victim was 80-year-old Gail Mattson of Hopkins. A tour company says a bull elephant charged a vehicle, killing Mattson and injuring another.
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Tour operator "Wilderness" confirmed the incident, saying the “aggressive” creature rushed a vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide while they were on a game drive at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia Saturday. The company said an 80-year-old died after the elephant attack, and her daughter confirmed that Gail Mattson of Hopkins is the victim.
Rona Wells shared some pictures of her mom on the South African safari on her Facebook page, along with a post to share news of her death with friends and family.
"Sadly she lost her life in a tragic accident while on her dream adventure," Wells wrote. "I hope these pictures bring some happiness to those that loved her. RIP Mom. We love you and will miss you."
Wilderness describes itself as a “leading conservation and hospitality company” operating in eight African countries, including Zambia. The company says the tour vehicle was blocked in when the elephant charged, leaving the driver unable to move or escape. Another tourist is reported hospitalized while four others suffered minor injuries.
The company's chief executive officer said in a statement that Kafue National Park management were immediately called to help and a helicopter was dispatched to the scene. The victim's body will be repatriated to her family in the United States.
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Topics: Wildlife, Elephants