Who was Asher Watkins? All about millionaire big game hunter who died after Cape buffalo attack during hunting trip

Asher Watkins, an American millionaire, was struck down by one of the Cape buffaloes he was hunting during an escapade in South Africa.

The incident took place in Limpopo on Sunday, Aug. 3. The Texan ranch trader, 52, had been tailing the 1.3-ton predator, at the time, People Magazine has reported, when it charged at him at 35 mph and attacked him.

As of this writing, it remains unclear if the animal was later culled or escaped. The Daily Mail has reported, however, that it killed him almost instantly. Coenraad Vermaak Safaris reportedly organized the $10,000 trip. Hunter Hans Vermaak told the Daily Mail in a statement on behalf of the company:

“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.”

Vermaak concluded:

“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."

Everything we know about Asher Watkins' demise

Metro has reported that Asher Watkins’ brother Amon, his mother, Gwen, and his stepfather, Tony, had been waiting for him back at the lodge when he was attacked. CV Safaris also said that it had been communicating with his daughter, a teenager, and former wife, Courtney.

People Magazine has reported that Courtney also confirmed his demise in a statement on social media:

"Asher Watkins died suddenly in a tragic accident involving a Cape buffalo while on a hunting trip in South Africa," she wrote. “It’s a reality that’s still hard to put into words,” she added. “Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the days ahead.”

Watkins was a Baylor University alumnus who worked as a managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group, which is affiliated with Briggs Freeman and LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, The Guardian has pointed out. On his company website, he is described as someone who

“Spent the better part of his life in the outdoors and on ranches” and a “proud and devoted father.”

Asher Watkins' social media pages are riddled with photos of some of his game snatches, ranging from desert mule deer to snow geese.

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more.

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