An American tourist who was mauled to death by a lion while on a South African safari has now been named as a special effects editor who worked on Game of Thrones.
Katherine Chappell, 29, was in Johannesburg on a conservation trip raising money for a charity that helps protect animals from poachers.
Ms Chappell arrived in the country via London two weeks ago and visited Lion Park on Monday. She was taking pictures out of her vehicle when a lioness launched herself through the open window of the car, according to park offciails and witnesses.
It has now been revealed that Ms Chappell, who had been living in Vancouver, Canada, but was originally from New York, worked for Scanline - an award-winning production company with offices across the world.
During her time at the company, she worked as a visual effects editor on the popular HBO fantasy series as well as Marvel’s Captain America and the Divergence films.
She is survived by her parents, Jonathan and Mary Elaine Chappell, a brother and two sisters who are all thought to live in New York.
Ms Chappell’s sister, Jennifer Chappell, posted a touching message on social media yesterday. “Yesterday morning, while on a volunteer mission to protect wildlife in South Africa, Kate Chappell was involved in a tragic and fatal accident. Katie was a brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited woman. She was very much loved and shared her love for life with those she met.”
Ms Chappell’s camera has been taken by officials for evidence. Witnesses are also believed to have given statements and handed over pictures.
Scott Simpson, operations manager at the Lion Park said: “The dead lady’s camera was taken by police as evidence, as she was photographing the lioness through an open window up until the moment the lion attacked the vehicle.
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"According to eye witnesses, the lion was walking near the vehicle and the visitor was taking pictures through an open window.
"Witnesses say that both front windows were down the whole time they were in the enclosure. The other lions in the area watched from a distance throughout.”
The death marked the third big cat attack at the park in just four months. Officials from the park have released a statement announcing that the lioness will not be put down. ABC News also reported that the nine-year-old creature had been mating and had several cubs with her at the time of the incident.
Julia Straker, a State Department spokesperson, said: “We are providing all possible consular assistance. ‘We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim of this terrible tragedy.”
