In a tragic turn of events, an American woman met her untimely demise during what she had dubbed her “last big trip,” as a charging elephant overturned the vehicle she was traveling in at a national park in Zambia.
The tour operator, Wilderness, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the “aggressive” elephant had forcefully struck the vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide during a game drive at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia. The victim, a 79-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries following the incident that occurred on Saturday.
While the company refrained from disclosing the victim’s identity, Rona Wells, identifying herself as the victim’s daughter, mourned her mother, Gail Mattson, in a heartfelt post on Facebook. Wells described her mother’s passing as a “tragic accident while on her dream adventure.”
Amidst the circulating social media footage purportedly capturing the incident, a large elephant can be seen charging towards a vehicle, prompting the passengers to gasp as the car is overturned by the force of the impact.
Wilderness, a renowned conservation and hospitality company operating across several African countries including Zambia, acknowledged the incident but refrained from verifying the authenticity of the circulating video and photos. Nonetheless, the company’s CEO, Keith Vincent, emphasized the extensive training and experience of their guides.
The unsettling incident not only claimed the life of one tourist but also resulted in injuries to another woman who was subsequently airlifted to a medical facility in South Africa. Four other individuals sustained minor injuries during the ordeal.
Marlon du Toit, a seasoned wildlife photographer and safari guide, expressed his astonishment at the rare aggression displayed by the elephant, stressing the infrequency of such incidents across the African safari landscape.
While the exact circumstances leading to Mattson’s demise remain unclear, Wilderness assured that her remains would be repatriated to her family in the United States with the assistance of local Zambian authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka.
Kafue National Park, revered as Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, spans over 8,000 square miles of untamed wilderness, providing habitat to diverse wildlife species.
For Mattson, the African safari represented a pinnacle in her extensive globetrotting adventures. According to her friend Brenda Biggs, Mattson had eagerly anticipated the excursion, considering it a fulfillment of her bucket list aspirations.
Reflecting on her friend’s zest for life, Biggs remembered Mattson as a flamboyant and friendly individual with a penchant for vibrant hues. Mattson’s vivacity extended beyond her personal pursuits as she assumed the role of event planner for their local bridge club, leaving a lasting impression on those around her.
John Longabauth, another friend of Mattson, echoed similar sentiments, recalling her perpetual optimism and unwavering positivity. He recounted her anticipation for the safari trip, emphasizing her excitement for what she had deemed her “last big trip.”
In the wake of this tragic incident, friends and acquaintances mourn the loss of a spirited traveler whose adventurous spirit illuminated the lives of those she encountered. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident, the memory of Gail Mattson remains a testament to the enduring allure of exploration and the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in the heart of Africa.
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