A wealthy big-game hunter from California has been trampled to death by a herd of elephants while on a hunting expedition in Gabon. Ernie Dosio, 75, a vineyard owner from Lodi, was killed on April 17 during a £30,000 ($55,000) hunt in the central African nation.
According to reports, Dosio and his professional guide were tracking a yellow-backed duiker in the Lope-Okanda rainforest when they inadvertently startled five female elephants and a calf. The herd charged immediately, and Dosio's high-powered rifle was lost in the thick brush. He sustained severe injuries from the charge and was trampled as the animals fled.
A retired game hunter in Cape Town, who knew the victim, told the U.K. Sun: "Whilst in the forest Ernie and his PH surprised five forest elephant cows with a calf. Feeling under threat the elephants immediately attacked them." He added, "I would rather not go into detail, but it is safe to assume it would have been quick."
Dosio had been hunting since childhood and had an extensive collection of trophies, including rhino, bear, buffalo, crocodile, lion, zebra, leopard, and elephant heads mounted in his home. Despite his hunting record, friends insisted that "all Ernie's hunts were strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers."
The friend further described Dosio as "a very well-known and popular hunter in the U.S. and in Africa and a very keen conservationist" who did considerable charity work. His death has been deeply felt by many on both sides of the Atlantic.
Dosio's body was being repatriated to California by the American Embassy in Gabon. The hunting trip was organized by Collect Africa, which confirmed the incident in a statement.
Dosio leaves behind his partner Betty and two sons, Jeff and Blake. He owned Pacific AgriLands, a 12,000-acre vineyard in Modesto, which provides management for local wine farms and custom vine harvesting equipment. His son Jeff serves as president of the company, while Blake is also involved in the family business.
Dosio was a prominent figure in the Sacramento Safari Club and held the position of Great Elk in the Californian Central District Elks. Tommy Whitman, secretary of Lodi Lodge, paid tribute on Facebook: "It is with a most heavy heart and sadness that I am reporting the passing of Ernie Dosio earlier this week. May all of our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. Ernie was great Elk for 30 years and pillar in our community. He will be sorely missed."
