US millionaire hunter gored to death: Social media hails buffalo as hero

A millionaire trophy hunter is killed by the very animal he was pursuing. What followed was an outpouring of global support not for the man, but the buffalo

In a dramatic twist of fate that has reignited fierce debate on the ethics of big-game hunting, American trophy hunter Asher Watkins, 52, was fatally gored by a Cape buffalo—often dubbed the “Black Death”—during a licensed safari in Limpopo, South Africa, on August 3, 2025.

 

Watkins, a Texas-based millionaire and self-proclaimed “adventure conservationist,” had built a prominent online presence showcasing his trophy kills from across the globe. But this time, nature struck back. The buffalo, one of Africa’s most formidable and unpredictable animals, charged while being tracked and instantly killed him—a rare reversal that quickly turned into a viral morality tale.

 

  

Public voices split, but the internet takes the buffalo's side

 

Within hours, news of Watkins’ death exploded across social media platforms, where reactions ranged from sympathy to savage criticism. While some viewed his death as a tragic accident, many celebrated it as karmic justice.

 

“He deserved his fate. He travelled the planet killing for fun. Hope the buffalo wasn’t harmed,” one user commented.

 

“Karma at its finest. The hunted finally fought back,” another quipped.  The phrase “when the hunter becomes the hunted” trended widely, with users across platforms framing the incident as a reckoning moment for those who glorify killing animals for sport. 

Online sentiment: The buffalo as a symbol of justice

 A clear shift in public sentiment emerged—sympathy poured not for the fallen millionaire, but for the buffalo. On Reddit and Facebook, users dubbed the animal a symbol of wild justice and resistance. One Redditor wrote:

 

“Sounds like perfectly justifiable self-defence on the buffalo’s part.”

“To kill for sport is despicable. Love this buffalo for taking out the trash.” 

Online sentiment: The buffalo as a symbol of justice

 A clear shift in public sentiment emerged—sympathy poured not for the fallen millionaire, but for the buffalo. On Reddit and Facebook, users dubbed the animal a symbol of wild justice and resistance. One Redditor wrote:

 

“Sounds like perfectly justifiable self-defence on the buffalo’s part.”

“To kill for sport is despicable. Love this buffalo for taking out the trash.”