The incident occurred on 17/4 in Lope-Okanda National Park, central Gabon. A representative for the safari tour operator stated that Ernie Dosio and a guide were on an antelope hunting trip. As antelopes are sensitive to noise, the hunting party consisted of only two people. While moving, they encountered a herd of elephants: five females and one calf.

Sensing human presence, the elephants charged out of the bushes to protect their calf. The hunting guide was thrown, sustaining severe injuries and losing his rifle. The elephants then turned their attention to Dosio, who was armed only with a shotgun. He was trampled to death at the scene.

A friend from the victim's hunting community said, "It all happened very quickly".

Ernie Dosio, 75, on a hunting trip. Photo: Dailymail

Dosio's hunting trips were licensed for conservation purposes, aimed at controlling wildlife populations. Under Gabon's regulations, he was not permitted to carry a personal firearm but used specialized antelope hunting weapons provided by the tour company.

Dosio's death sparked mixed reactions. In his hometown, he owned Pacific AgriLands, a company managing 12,000 acres (approximately 4,850 hectares) of vineyards in Modesto, California. Beyond his business, he was passionate about hunting, despite criticism. Over the years, he hunted many wildlife species in the US and Africa. After news of his death became public, photos of a room in his home displaying elephant, rhinoceros, and lion heads circulated on social media, igniting debate.

Jeff Dosio, the victim's son, stated that the narrative surrounding his father was being distorted and that the dissemination of private images constituted an invasion of privacy. His ex-wife, Rinda Butler Dosio, recounted that the family initially received conflicting information regarding the cause of death. "He was an experienced hunter; this should not have happened," she said.

Licensed wildlife hunting is a divisive global topic. Supporters argue that substantial revenue from this activity funds conservation programs. Conversely, many environmental activists contend that it creates insurmountable survival pressure on already vulnerable species.

Dosio's death is not the sole hunting-related fatality. In August 2025, American businessman Asher Watkins, 52, also died in South Africa after being gored by a Cape buffalo weighing over one ton. His accompanying guide could not intervene, and the victim bled to death before rescuers arrived due to the remote location.

Currently, the US Embassy in Gabon is working with local authorities to repatriate Dosio's remains to California.

Bao Nhien (According to People, Dailymail)