A wealthy trophy hunter from Texas was killed in a brutal twist of fate after the buffalo he had been stalking for hours turned on him during a guided hunt in South Africa’s Limpopo province. The 56-year-old man, whose identity has been confirmed by NBC News, was gored through the chest in front of fellow hunters and guides — a scene described by witnesses as “instant chaos and blood.”
The incident occurred on a privately owned game reserve known for hosting high-priced expeditions catering to wealthy foreign clients. According to The Guardian, the man had paid tens of thousands of dollars for a multi-day safari targeting Cape buffalo — one of Africa’s “Big Five” animals and widely considered among the most dangerous to hunt.
Local authorities told Reuters that the hunter and his party had been following a wounded buffalo through dense brush when the animal doubled back unexpectedly. “Cape buffalo are notorious for circling behind their pursuers,” explained Limpopo wildlife officer Sipho Maseko. “It caught him off guard and charged at full speed before anyone could fire a second shot.”
One of the professional guides on the trip told Daily Mail reporters that the animal’s horn punctured the hunter’s rib cage and tore into his lung. Despite frantic attempts to staunch the bleeding, he was pronounced dead at the scene. “It happened so fast — the buffalo was on him in seconds,” the guide said. “We could hear the air leave his lungs.”
Cape buffalo: responsible for hundreds of human deaths annually in Africa. Incredibly dangerous to approach, even for seasoned hunters. 🦬— Wildlife Facts Daily (@WildFactsDaily) August 9, 2025
The victim, a businessman with holdings in oil and real estate, had made headlines in 2021 when Forbes profiled his lavish hunting expeditions. Social media posts on his now-deleted Instagram account showed him posing with elephants, lions, and rare antelope. While admired in some hunting circles, his exploits had also drawn fierce criticism from conservation groups, with World Animal Protection calling him “a symbol of a cruel and outdated pastime.”
Friends describe him as a “fearless adventurer” who believed in the thrill of the chase. “He used to say the Cape buffalo was his white whale,” one longtime hunting partner told Outdoor Life. “He knew the risk — we all do — but I think he underestimated just how fast they can turn on you.”
Nicknamed “Black Death” by locals, Cape buffalo are known for their unpredictable nature and sheer brute strength. According to a National Geographic profile, they can weigh over 1,500 pounds and run up to 35 miles per hour, capable of killing lions and humans alike. Hunters often call them “the most dangerous of the Big Five” because wounded buffalo will frequently charge without warning.
Witnesses told CBS News that the party had been tracking the injured animal since early morning. Around midday, they found signs the buffalo was near — fresh tracks and disturbed brush. The hunter reportedly fired once, hitting the animal in the shoulder, but failed to bring it down. That wound may have enraged the buffalo even more.
Hunting Cape buffalo is not just risky — it’s one of the most dangerous pursuits on Earth. This tragic case shows why. #hunting #wildlife— Safari Tracker (@SafariTracker) August 9, 2025
Emergency services were called immediately, but the remote location meant it took nearly an hour for a helicopter medevac team to arrive. By that time, the hunter had lost a fatal amount of blood. An autopsy ordered by the South African Police Service confirmed massive internal trauma as the cause of death.
The news has reignited debate over trophy hunting in South Africa, where it remains legal under strict permitting. Supporters argue that fees from wealthy clients fund conservation programs and local communities, while opponents contend the practice is cruel and unnecessary. The International Fund for Animal Welfare said in a statement that this incident “should serve as a sobering reminder that wild animals are not props for sport.”
