A trip to hunt wildlife in South Africa ended in tragedy when Texas ranch real estate executive Asher Watkins was killed by a Cape buffalo he was tracking. The 52-year-old, known for his role in selling multimillion-dollar ranches and his involvement in trophy hunting, was on safari in Limpopo Province on August 3 when the fatal encounter occurred, according to The Guardian.
Watkins was accompanied by a professional hunter and a tracker from Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS) when the bull, weighing more than a ton, suddenly charged at roughly 35 mph. The safari company confirmed the animal was unwounded and the attack unprovoked. The impact caused severe injuries to Watkins’ torso, killing him almost instantly, Newsweek reported.
The incident took place in the 50,000-acre Bambisana concession, an area where Cape buffalo are known to live. Often referred to by local guides as “The Black Death,” these animals are among the most dangerous on the continent. According to wildlife data cited by the Houston Chronicle, they are responsible for about 200 human deaths annually and have a history of charging without warning.
Seconds after the buffalo struck, the professional hunter shot and killed it, but Watkins’ injuries were described as unsurvivable by responders, VT reported. His mother Gwen, stepfather Tony, and brother Amon were waiting at the lodge when they were informed of his death.
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Watkins’ ex-wife, Courtney, shared news of his death on social media before later removing the post after it attracted critical comments from opponents of trophy hunting.
“It’s a reality that’s still hard to put into words,” she wrote, as reported by People. “Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the days ahead, especially for Savannah as she grieves her dad.”
Raised in Dallas and a graduate of Baylor University, Watkins co-founded Watkins Ranch Group, a Dallas-based firm dealing in high-value ranch properties. He was also affiliated with Briggs Freeman and LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, The Guardian reports.
Watkins’ membership in pro-hunting organizations and his defense of trophy hunting drew renewed criticism online following his death, with many commenters challenging the ethics of such activities, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The CVS website notes that Cape buffalo can weigh up to 1.5 tons, measure over 11 feet in length, and have horns spanning four feet. These animals are known to survive multiple gunshots and are considered unpredictable. The company warns hunters to “prepare for the worst.”
According to The Daily Beast, South African authorities have opened an inquest into Watkins’ death. CVS stated it is cooperating with the investigation and assisting Watkins’ family both in South Africa and the United States.
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