Who was Asher Watkins, the Texas millionaire killed by a buffalo?

The sudden and tragic death of Asher Watkins, a 52-year-old Texan millionaire, has sparked international attention and conversation. Watkins was fatally struck by a Cape buffalo during a big game hunting expedition in South Africa’s Limpopo Province on 3rd August 2025. While the circumstances of the incident have dominated headlines, many are curious to know more about the man behind the story.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Asher Watkins came from a background deeply connected to the outdoors and ranching life. He was a managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group, a company that specialises in buying and selling ranch and land properties, primarily across Texas and Oklahoma. These properties often ranged in value from around £1 million to over £30 million, highlighting the scale and exclusivity of his business dealings.

Watkins’ connection to the land was more than professional. He grew up working on his family’s cattle ranch, an upbringing that instilled in him a strong affinity for wildlife, nature, and the rugged lifestyle of rural America. Friends described him as a man of courage, faith, and a deep sense of adventure — qualities that would define his personal and professional life.

A Life Defined by Hunting and Adventure

Beyond his ranching enterprise, Watkins was a dedicated big game hunter. His passion for hunting took him far beyond the borders of Texas. His social media accounts especially Facebook were filled with images of the various animals he had hunted, including mountain lions, wildfowl, and thousands of doves during a trip to Argentina. For Watkins, hunting was not only a sport but also a way to connect with nature and, he believed, contribute to conservation efforts through regulated hunting.

On that fateful day in early August, Watkins was stalking a Cape buffalo — an animal renowned for its size, strength, and unpredictable nature. The buffalo, weighing around 1.3 tonnes and nicknamed “Black Death” for its reputation, charged unexpectedly during the hunt, striking Watkins with lethal force.

The safari company overseeing the expedition described the attack as sudden and unprovoked, emphasising that Watkins was tracking the buffalo alongside professional guides and was not injured or threatening the animal before the charge. The incident was a stark reminder of the inherent dangers involved in big game hunting, even for the most experienced hunters.

Watkins leaves behind a teenage daughter, Savannah, and his ex-wife, Courtney, both of whom are grieving the devastating loss. Courtney paid tribute to Watkins on social media, describing the shock and heartbreak their family has endured and highlighting the profound impact his passing has had on their daughter.

The death of Asher Watkins has also reopened discussions about the ethics and risks of trophy hunting. Supporters argue that regulated hunting can fund conservation projects and help manage wildlife populations, while critics see it as cruel and unnecessary, often pointing to such tragedies as evidence of its inherent recklessness.

Regardless of where one stands on this debate, Asher Watkins’ life and death reveal a complex portrait of a man who lived boldly — driven by passion, faith, and a connection to the wild that ultimately cost him his life.