A teenager has died following an attack by a water buffalo at a farm in Wales that also claimed the life of his father.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that Peter Jump, 19, died following the incident on the farm near Usk in south-east Wales. Peter’s father, Ralph “Jon” Jump, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene on 5 May while his son was airlifted to hospital in Cardiff.
The pair are believed to have been hurt as they tried to return the buffalo to its pen. Peter’s sister, Isabel, suffered leg injuries.
Jump, the managing director of a heating company, rented the farm to start a buffalo milk soap business with his family. They hand-reared the buffalo there.
Tributes have been paid to the father and son. A family member said: “I can only share from my own feelings also – the loss of my best friend Jonny and our wonderful Pete. It’s really quite surreal and insurmountable at present.”
A friend said Ralph was “generous of spirit and warm of heart”.
Police said they were continuing to investigate the incident. The teenager died on 6 May but the news of his death was only revealed on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Gwent police said: “A 19-year-old man from the Gwehelog area was taken to the University Hospital for Wales by the Welsh air ambulance after sustaining critical injuries. He subsequently died in hospital. Gwent police has launched an investigation into this incident and it remains ongoing.”
Det Insp Amanda Venn said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this tragic time. The family have asked to be given time to grieve and we would ask that their privacy is respected. The force is also currently liaising with the Gwent coroner service in relation to this incident.”
Speaking shortly after the tragedy, a friend said: “Jon spent all his life in a shirt and tie but loved pulling on his wellies to get stuck in at the farm. He was as happy as anything there.”
The farm is the base of the Bufalina Soap Company, which makes a range of scented soap. The company says on its website: “We make our soap with the milk from our herd of Mediterranean water buffalo, located in the Welsh Marches.
“Around the world this buffalo breed is famous for its dairy products such as mozzarella, gelato and ice cream. The richness of the milk makes it ideal for making a creamy, luxurious and gentle soap.”
The buffalo was put down.
