Dr Thomas McAfee, who was attacked and killed by an elephant last week.
In Summary
“He was attacked outside Tarangire National
Park,” he said, adding that Dr McAfee was rushed to Tarangire Health
Centre where he was pronounced dead.
Dar es Salaam. The American tourist killed by an
elephant on Saturday while on vacation in Tanzania was an
adventure-loving doctor who died just days before he was due to take up a
new executive position in the US.
Dr Thomas McAfee, 58, who was a dean at the
University of California’s San Diego campus, was on vacation in Tanzania
before taking up a new role as chief executive of Keck Medicine of the
University of Southern California (USC) Medical Foundation.
A family member confirmed Dr McAfee’s death when she spoke to the US media on Wednesday.
“He had an accidental encounter with an elephant,”
said Ms Skyli McAfee, who identified herself as Dr McAfee’s sister,
adding that she had been notified of the accident.
She said her brother was a regular world traveller
who had been to Africa several times and knew that wild elephants can
be unpredictable.
“My brother certainly was aware of those risks,
but he was doing what he wanted to do,” she said. “He was very
supportive of conservation efforts and his family continues to be.”
Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) clarified
yesterday that Dr McAfee was killed by an elephant in a hunting block
outside Tarangire National Park.
Tanapa Public Relations Manager Pascal Shelutete
told The Citizen that the American tourist was on a walking safari in an
area bordering the expansive park.
“He was attacked outside Tarangire National Park,”
he said, adding that Dr McAfee was rushed to Tarangire Health Centre
where he was pronounced dead.
The US government sent its condolences to the
family of Dr McAfee, who was on Tuesday due to have begun as CEO of the
newly formed Keck Medicine of USC Medical Foundation.
“We can confirm the death of US citizen Thomas
McAfee in Tanzania on August 31. We offer our condolences to his family
and loved ones on their loss. We are in contact with the family and are
providing all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect for the
privacy of those affected, we decline further comment,” said a spokesman
for the US State Department.
Dr McAfee was in the company of two compatriots
when the incident took place, according to acting Manyara Regional
Police Commander Mussa Marambo.
He said the three tourists were viewing game on foot when they stumbled upon a herd of about 50 elephants.
“Sensing danger, the tourists took to their heels,
but unfortunately McAfee fell down and one of the elephants trampled on
him. He died while receiving treatment at a nearby dispensary,” Mr
Marambo said.
Dr McAfee’s body was taken to the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre as arrangements were being made to ferry it home.
source: The citizen
source: The citizen
