A hunting trip in South Africa ended in tragedy for a Texas millionaire.
Asher Austin Watkins, 52, had been tracking a massive Cape buffalo when it suddenly turned the tables. The animal, over a ton in weight, got to him before he had the chance to fire.
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Asher was in the middle of the hunt
It happened on August 3 in Limpopo. Watkins was out there with a professional hunter and a tracker.
At some point, the buffalo spun around without warning. It came at him fast, about 35 miles an hour, and hit with enough force to kill him on the spot.
The animal came out of nowhere
No sign the buffalo had been hurt. Nothing to suggest it was angry beforehand. It just went for him.
This trip didn’t come cheap
According to the Daily Mail, the hunt had been set up by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris. The package was said to run close to $10,000.
His family was waiting for him
While all that was happening, his mom, Gwen, stepdad, Tony, and brother, Amon, were at the lodge. They were expecting him back.
Instead, they got news no one wants to hear.
The safari company spoke out
In a statement, Hunter Hans Vermaak said on behalf of Coenraad Vermaak Safaris: “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,” the statement continued.
“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,” Vermaak concluded.
News hit his loved ones hard
The company said his daughter, Savannah, and his ex-wife, Courtney, were told right away.
Courtney later wrote on Facebook, but the post was deleted:
“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 wrote, reports PEOPLE.
“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.”
Loved ones shared their memories
Family friend Jennifer Davis posted a tribute, saying Asher “came face-to-face with one of Africa’s legendary Big Five – a Cape buffalo.”
“In a moment as fearless as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a man of courage, faith, and adventure,” she wrote.
“If you knew Asher, you knew his faith, his adventurous spirit, and that signature wink that always let you know he was up to something.
“He loved his daughter, Savannah, more than life itself. Asher was a steady presence in the lives of those who knew him.”
Watkins Ranch Group, where he worked as managing director, called him a successful ranch realtor and a proud dad.
Asher loved being outdoors. Hunting, fishing, traveling… those were his things.
