American millionaire and trophy hunter Ernie Dosio, 75, has died after a fatal encounter with elephants in Gabon, according to reports.
Dosio, a California vineyard owner and father of two, was on a $40,000 guided hunting trip in the Lope-Okanda rainforest targeting a small antelope when a herd of five female elephants with a calf reportedly charged at him and his guide.
The safari operator confirmed his death. The professional hunter accompanying him survived but was seriously injured.
Dosio also owned Pacific AgriLands Inc., managing thousands of acres of vineyard land in California. U.S. officials are now working to return his remains home.
African elephants can weigh up to six tons and are considered both vital to ecosystems and highly endangered in some regions, including Gabon, which holds a large forest elephant population.
He was described by friends as a “good old country boy,” a conservation-minded hunter, and a generous supporter of charitable causes.