A millionaire American trophy hunter was gored to death on the horns of a buffalo he tried to kill on a visit to South Africa.
Asher Watkins, 52, was tracking a 1.3 tonne Cape Buffalo bull, referred to as the Black Death, within the 50,000-acre Bambisana concession on Sunday when it suddenly charged at him at 35mph.
It slammed into the 52-year-old after becoming increasingly agitated and killed him almost immediately.
Asher’s ex-wife Courtney, paid tribute to him, saying their teenage daughter ‘is in a state of shock’.
She said: ‘It’s a reality that’s still hard to place into words. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the times ahead, especially for Savannah as she grieves her dad.
‘We’ve been in a state of shock and heartbreak ever since, attempting to process not only the loss, however the complexity that comes with it.’
Asher, a ranch trader from Texas, said he believed hunting was an important a part of preserving wildlife, and has his social media stuffed with photos of him next to dead mountain lions and wildfowl.
While in Argentina he boasted of killing hundreds of doves in only three days with friends.
Coenraad Vermaak Safaris said: ‘It’s with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA.
‘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 along with one in all our skilled hunters and one in all our trackers. This can be a devastating incident and our hearts exit to his family members.
‘We’re doing every little thing we will to support the relations who’re here with us and people back in the USA as they navigate this tragic loss.’
Asher’s mum Gwen, brother Amon and step-dad Tony were all waiting for him within the lodge on the time of the incident.
The safari company said there have been in contact along with his teenage daughter Savannah and ex-wife.
A detailed friend of Asher’s said: ‘He spent every spare moment he could with Savannah and shared his life along with her and no one could love a daughter greater than he did.
‘She shall be broken to lose Asher who was her best friend in addition to her dad.’
Asher owned Watkins Ranch Group which sold exclusive ranches priced between £1 million and £30 million.
Friend Shannon Wherry said online: ‘On an African safari along with his beloved mother, brother and stepdad, Asher got here head to head with one in all Africa’s legendary buffalo.
‘In a moment of fearlessness as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a person of courage, faith and adventure.
‘He loved his precious daughter Savannah greater than life itself and leaves her behind and his ex-wife who are actually facing an unimaginable loss.’
A Cape Buffalo can weigh 1.5 tons and be 11 feet long and 5ft 6in tall and their horns are joined by a solid lump of bone across the brow with its point suggestions might be 4ft apart.
They’re unpredictable and aggressive and its only predators are humans and lions.
The safari website describes the animal as ‘probably the most dangerous to pursue in Africa.
It reads: ‘No species on the planet has a more fearsome popularity than a Cape Buffalo. Liable for several deaths and plenty of injuries to hunters every year.
‘The buffalo is considered probably the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa. Buffalo hunting is thrilling and exhilarating and at the highest of each hunter’s wish list.
‘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.’
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