A SAFARI firm behind a luxury $10,000 hunt where a US millionaire was killed by a raging buffalo has insisted the horror attack was unprovoked.
Big game hunter Asher Watkins, 52, was stalking a 3,000lb Cape buffalo in South Africa when he was gored to death.
Watkins, known for his success in dealing with Texas ranches, faced a sudden attack from a famously aggressive animal during a guided hunting trip with Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CV Safaris).
Speaking on behalf of the company, Hunter Hans Vermaak insisted Sunday’s devastating attack was unprovoked.
He said: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA.”
“On Sunday, during a hunting expedition in South Africa’s Limpopo Province with our team, Asher suffered fatal injuries from an unexpected attack by a buffalo that had not been wounded beforehand.”
“This is a devastating incident and our hearts go out to his loved ones.”
CV Safaris, highlighting the risk posed by Cape buffaloes on their website, describes the animals as “cunning and combative,” often charging without warning and contributing to numerous fatalities across Africa each year.
The company’s site notes: “No species on the planet has a more fearsome reputation than a Cape Buffalo.
“Responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year.
“The buffalo is regarded as the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa… Buffalo are known to charge unprovoked so prepare for the worst.”
At the time of the incident, Watkins was with an experienced hunter and a local guide when the seemingly uninjured buffalo emerged from dense brush at speeds of up to 35 mph, attacking him almost immediately.
It’s unclear whether the buffalo was later killed or escaped.
The Texas native had flown into the remote Bambisana concession by private aircraft just days before with his family.
His mother Gwen, brother Amon and stepfather Tony were staying at a nearby luxury lodge when the devastating news of his death was delivered.
The firm says it is now supporting the grieving family, both on the ground and back in America.
Ex-wife pays tribute
Watkins’ ex-wife Courtney – who shared custody of their teen daughter Savannah – posted a heartbreaking tribute online.
Posting a nostalgic family photo, she shared on Facebook: “This image is from a different era, a different chapter in our lives — but it remains forever a part of our daughter’s narrative.
“On August 3, a Sunday, Savannah’s father, Asher Watkins, tragically lost his life suddenly due to an incident with a Cape buffalo during a hunting excursion 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 continued: “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.”
Courtney ended the heartfelt message with a Bible verse: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit —Psalm 34:18.”
Savannah, thought to be aged 16, is said to be “in bits” after learning of her dad’s untimely passing.
A close family friend previously said: “He [Asher] spent every spare moment he could with Savannah and shared his life with her.
“Nobody could love a daughter more than he did. She will be broken to lose Asher, who was her best friend as well as her dad.”
Asher Watkins was a lifelong hunter whose social media showcased an array of global kills – from mountain lions to thousands of doves in Argentina.
A keen conservationist, he believed hunting was a vital part of preserving wildlife.
South African police are said to have launched an inquest into the fatal attack.
‘Black Death’ buffalo: Africa’s most dangerous beast
NICKNAMED the “Black Death”, the Cape buffalo is the deadliest animal in Africa, responsible for an estimated 200 deaths a year.
Weighing up to 1.5 tons and capable of charging at 35mph, these bulls are fiercely territorial and notoriously unpredictable – often attacking without warning or provocation.
Their massive horns form a thick bone shield called a “boss”, which can smash bones and flip vehicles.
Even when shot, they’ve been known to absorb bullets and keep charging.
Unlike most prey, a wounded buffalo doesn’t run – it circles back to stalk and kill its pursuer.
