A 75-year-old American big game hunter has reportedly died after being trampled by elephants while on a hunting expedition in Central Africa, according to a report published by The Telegraph.

Ernie Dosio was killed in Gabon’s Lopé-Okanda forest after he and his professional hunting guide accidentally came across a group of five forest elephants while tracking antelope, including species such as duikers and forest buffalo.

Reports suggest that the herd, which included a calf, perceived the pair as a threat and immediately charged. Dosio’s guide was reportedly the first to be attacked and seriously injured, losing his rifle in the process. Dosio was left with a shotgun but was ultimately overpowered during the encounter.

A friend of Dosio told reporters that the incident likely happened very quickly and described him as a well-known figure in hunting circles in both the United States and Africa. He also said Dosio was involved in conservation-related activities and charity work, though he was also known for collecting a wide range of big game trophies.

Dosio, who lived in California and ran a vineyard business in Modesto, was described by acquaintances as a long-time member of a local philanthropic lodge and someone active in community work. Tributes from colleagues and friends highlighted his long-standing involvement in social and charitable organisations.

The safari operator Collect Africa is reported to have confirmed that a client died during a hunting expedition in Gabon on 17 April after an encounter with elephants. The guide survived but was injured.

Elephant attacks on humans are rare but can be extremely dangerous, particularly when herds feel threatened or when males are in musth. Estimates suggest that hundreds of people are killed globally by elephants each year, largely due to close human-wildlife encounters in areas where habitats overlap.