American Woman Killed by Charging Elephant on 'Last Big Trip' in Zambia National Park

An American woman tragically lost her life during a safari at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia. The victim, 79-year-old Gail Mattson, was on what she had described as her "last big trip." The incident occurred when a charging elephant aggressively approached the vehicle she was traveling in, ultimately flipping it over and causing fatal injuries.

The car, carrying six tourists and a guide, was buffeted by the aggressive elephant, leading to the devastating outcome. Additionally, a video circulating on social media depicts the horrifying moment when the elephant overturned the vehicle. The authenticity of the video has not been confirmed, and the condition and identity of the person who filmed it remain unknown. Nevertheless, photos of the car after the incident show it tipped onto its side with significant damage.

Response and Consequences

While Wilderness, the tour operator responsible for the safari, emphasized the extensive training and experience of its guides, the incident resulted in the tragic loss of Gail Mattson and injuries to other individuals. One woman was also injured and taken to a medical facility in South Africa, while four others were treated for minor injuries.

Wildlife experts have noted that such aggressive behavior from an elephant is extremely rare, considering the thousands of safari guests who explore African parks daily without negative consequences. As a result, the exact cause of Mattson’s death remains unclear, and the company has assured that her body will be repatriated to her family in the United States with the support of local Zambian authorities and the U.S. Embassy.

Kafue National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Zambia, spans an area of more than 8,000 square miles and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Gail Mattson, an enthusiastic traveler who considered the African safari as the pinnacle of her explorations, tragically lost her life during what was supposed to be the culmination of her extensive travels.

Mattson's friends revealed that the African safari was a highly anticipated adventure for her and was considered to be her "last big trip." Despite her age, she was known for her vibrant and optimistic personality, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her.