A millionaire American trophy hunter was gored to death on the horns of a buffalo he tried to kill on a trip to South Africa.
Asher Watkins, 52, was tracking a 1.3 tonne Cape Buffalo bull, known as the Black Death, in 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 instantly.
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 put into words. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the days ahead, especially for Savannah as she grieves her dad.
‘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.’
Asher, a ranch trader from Texas, said he believed hunting was a vital part of preserving wildlife, and has his social media filled with photos of him next to dead mountain lions and wildfowl.
While in Argentina he boasted of killing thousands of doves in just three days with friends.
Coenraad Vermaak Safaris 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 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 together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers. This is a devastating incident and our hearts go out to his loved ones.
‘We are doing everything we can to support the family members who are here with us and those back in the United States as they navigate this tragic loss.’
Asher’s mum Gwen, brother Amon and step-dad Tony were all waiting for him in the lodge at the time of the incident.
The safari company said there were in touch with his teenage daughter Savannah and ex-wife.
A close friend of Asher’s said: ‘He spent every spare moment he could with Savannah and shared his life with her and 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 owned Watkins Ranch Group which sold exclusive ranches priced between £1 million and £30 million.
Friend Shannon Wherry said online: ‘On an African safari with his beloved mother, brother and stepdad, Asher came face to face with one of Africa’s legendary buffalo.
‘In a moment of fearlessness as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a man of courage, faith and adventure.
‘He loved his precious daughter Savannah more than life itself and leaves her behind and his ex-wife who are now 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 forehead with its point tips can be 4ft apart.
They are unpredictable and aggressive and its only predators are humans and lions.
The safari website describes the animal as ‘the most dangerous to pursue in Africa.
It reads: ‘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 hunting is thrilling and exhilarating and at the top of every 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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