Minnesotan killed on safari in Zambia after elephant charges vehicle

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reporter Ben Henry confirmed with relations that Minnesota girl Gail Mattson, 79, was killed on a safari in Zambia.

Mattson was vacationing in Zambia when, over the weekend, safari officers say an elephant charged vacationers on a “sport drive” by Kafue Nationwide Park.

Mattson’s household says the image of her holding the flower was taken the day she was killed, including that she was “residing life” that day. 

Household informed 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the U.S. Embassy contacted them about Mattson’s loss of life. Buddies additionally stated Mattson was form, energetic in her neighborhood and really adventurous.

A video reveals the second the elephant attacked the truck that the group of vacationers have been driving in.

“Wilderness,” the safari firm, stated an American vacationer was tragically killed by a bull elephant whereas on a sport drive. They are saying the elephant was aggressive and charged unexpectedly, including that the information couldn’t get out of hurt’s manner quick sufficient.

Relations say Mattson was killed on scene.

The safari firm added that one other visitor who was damage was taken to a “non-public medical facility,” and 4 others have been handled for minor accidents.

Mattson break up time between residing in Minnesota and Arizona. Buddies from Arizona informed 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Mattson was an adventurous good friend who will probably be missed.

“She had informed us that this safari was going to be her final large journey,” stated John Longabauth. “As a result of her birthday is in the summertime — I believe she was going to be 80, and he or she felt like she would begin slowing down. To be sincere, I don’t know if she’d decelerate or not. However a minimum of you wouldn’t be touring as far, most likely.”