Millionaire Asher Watkins, 52, was on a $10,000 organized hunting safari in South Africa when he was killed by a Cape buffalo
A seasoned big game hunter met a tragic end when he was fatally attacked by the very buffalo he sought as a trophy in South Africa last week.
Asher Watkins, 52, who built his wealth through ranch trading in the U.S., was on a $10,000 hunting safari organized by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris when he was tracking a massive 2,800-pound buffalo, considered one of the “big five” most dangerous to hunt.
In a cruel twist of fate, the buffalo turned on Watkins in a “sudden and unprovoked attack” during the hunt at the expansive 50,000-acre Bambisana concession, delivering a fatal charge that killed him almost instantly.
The Cape buffalo, as locals refer to the species in the region, is ominously nicknamed the “Black Death” due to their involvement in roughly 200 deaths each year and for being more lethal to hunters than lions, rhinos or crocodiles.
The Cape buffalo stands up to 5 ft. 6 in. and is distinctive for its curved horns with dark, shaggy brown fur that can easily camouflage in the wild.
The notorious animal was described as having the most “fearsome reputation” of all “species on the planet” given that they are responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year, Hans Vermaak wrote in a statement on CV Safaris website.
The buffalo is regarded as the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa,” they wrote on their website. “[They] can absorb astounding amounts of lead even when shots are well placed and a charging buffalo comes at an alarming speed.
They warned, if attacked, “Cool nerves and a steady hand are crucial.
Vermaakcalled the incident deeply traumatic for those who witnessed it and said that the other safari members and Watkins family are understandably shaken.
He was tracking it together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers,” Vermaak added.
Watkins’ social media accounts reveal his avid interest in hunting and his belief in the importance of wildlife conservation. His profile features photos of himself with various trophies from hunts over the years, including a mountain lion and several deer.
The circumstances that led to the buffalo’s deadly attack on the hunting party are still uncertain, but reports suggest the animal became aggressive before charging at Watkins.
Now family is remembering the avid hunter as they grapple with his untimely death, including Watkins’ ex-wife Courtney who posted a touching tribute on social media.
“This photo is from another time, another chapter of our lives but its one that will always be a part of our daughters story,” she captioned a family photo on Facebook. “On Sunday, August 3, … Asher Watkins, died suddenly in a tragic accident involving a Cape buffalo while on a hunting trip in South Africa.
“Its a reality thats still hard to put into words. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate the days ahead.”
Weve been in a state of shock and heartbreak ever since, trying to process not just the loss, but the complexity that comes with it,” she added.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out, prayed, or simply held us in your thoughts. Your love has truly carried us through the hardest few days of our lives.”
Hunter Hans Vermaak, representing CV Safaris, also expressed his condolences to The Sun: “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.”
His family has been informed about the tragedy, and some have spoken out.
A close friend of the father shared: “He spent every spare moment he could with [his daughter] and shared his life with her. 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 accumulated his fortune through his enterprise, the Texas-based Watkins Ranch Group, known for dealing in high-end ranches with price tags that can reach up to a staggering $39 million.
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