Texas Real Estate Mogul Killed in Horrific Buffalo Encounter
Family Mourns Loss of Adventurous Entrepreneur
A tragic wildlife encounter has claimed the life of a prominent Texas real estate figure, Watkins, known for his high-stakes ranch deals. The incident occurred while he was on safari with his family in Africa.
Fatal Safari Incident
Watkins, who headed the Watkins Ranch Group, a company specializing in multi-million dollar ranch sales across Texas and Oklahoma, met his end when he came face-to-face with a formidable Cape buffalo. The encounter turned deadly, leaving his mother, stepfather, and brother in shock.
“African safari, along with his beloved mother, brother, and parent, Asher arrived face to face with one of Africa’s legendary Buffalo.”
—Shannon Verry, Close Friend
A close friend, Shannon Verry, memorialized Watkins on social media, describing him as a man of courage and faith. She noted that his final moments were spent living life to the fullest, challenging the boundaries of adventure.
Understanding the Danger: Cape Buffalo
The Cape buffalo, often called “black death,” is notorious for its aggressive nature and is considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. With their distinctive curved horns and immense strength, they pose a significant threat, responsible for numerous human fatalities and injuries annually.
Experts highlight that these powerful creatures can absorb substantial damage, even from well-placed shots, and can charge with alarming speed. The CV Safari website warns that “No one on the planet has a more scary reputation than Keip Buffalo,” emphasizing the need for calm nerves and steady hands when encountering them.
The inherent risks of hunting such formidable wildlife are well-documented. For instance, in 2022, a group of tourists in South Africa were attacked by a pride of lions, with one person sustaining serious injuries, underscoring the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters (Source: African Wildlife Foundation).
“We do our best to support the family members here with us and those in the United States, moving in this tragic loss.”
—Unnamed Representative
