A wealthy American trophy hunter has died after being trampled by a herd of elephants during a hunting expedition in Gabon, Central Africa.
The victim, identified as a 75-year-old millionaire and vineyard owner from California, was on a guided safari in the Lope-Okanda rainforest when the incident occurred. He was reportedly tracking a rare antelope species when he and his guide unexpectedly encountered a group of five female elephants accompanied by a calf.
According to reports, the elephants appeared to feel threatened by the presence of the hunters in their territory. The herd suddenly charged, resulting in a deadly encounter. The hunter was fatally crushed, while his guide sustained serious injuries but survived.
The expedition was part of a high-cost trophy hunting trip estimated at around $40,000. The hunter was known for his long history of big-game hunting and had collected trophies of various wild animals over the years, including elephants and lions.
Safari operator Collect Africa confirmed the incident, describing it as a sudden and dangerous wildlife encounter deep within dense forest terrain. Local reports suggest visibility in the region is extremely limited, increasing the risk of unexpected animal confrontations.
Authorities and the U.S. Embassy are reportedly involved in arrangements to repatriate the deceased’s body. The incident has also reignited global debate over trophy hunting, wildlife conservation, and human-wildlife conflict in protected habitats.
