ZAMBIA, — An Arizona woman is dead after a rare elephant attack during what friends called a dream vacation in Africa.
Tour operator "Wilderness" confirmed the incident, saying the “aggressive” creature rushed a vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide while they were on a game drive at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia Saturday. The company said a woman died after the elephant attack, and her family confirmed that Gail Mattson, 79, of Sun City is the victim.
“She had two communities built around her in the Twin Cities and Arizona that absolutely loved her,” Mattson’s son, who didn’t want to be identified, told KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff. “She was a giving, wonderful, kind, adventurous person.”
Rona Wells shared some pictures of her mom on the South African safari on her Facebook page, along with a post to share news of her death with friends and family.
"Sadly she lost her life in a tragic accident while on her dream adventure," Wells wrote. "I hope these pictures bring some happiness to those that loved her. RIP Mom. We love you and will miss you."
Family members said they are waiting for Mattson's remains to be returned. Memorial services in Minnesota and Arizona and planned "at a later date."
“We just liked her, she was a spit fire,” said Mattson’s longtime friend in Arizona, Brenda Biggs. “She was just full of so much energy and so, so real, and just a wonderful person.”
“She may have been almost 80 years old, but you never would have known it,” said Mattson’s longtime friend in Arizona, John Longabaugh. “She was enjoying every minute of her trip in Africa.”
Wilderness describes itself as a “leading conservation and hospitality company” operating in eight African countries, including Zambia. The company says the tour vehicle was blocked in when the elephant charged, leaving the driver unable to move or escape. Another tourist is reported hospitalized while four others suffered minor injuries.
The company's chief executive officer said in a statement that Kafue National Park management were immediately called to help and a helicopter was dispatched to the scene. The victim's body will be repatriated to her family in the United States.
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