A millionaire and co-owner of a private game reserve was trampled to death on his own reserve by an African elephant.
39-year-old FC Conradie, who co-owned the luxury Gondwana private game reserve in Mossel Bay on the Western Cape in South Africa, was charged by an elephant at the reserve on Tuesday, resulting in his death, according to PEOPLE magazine.
"According to reports available, emergency services were summoned to the scene after the man was trampled by an elephant at about 08:00 [a.m. local time]," authorities said in a statement.
"On arrival, the members found the man, employed at the business, with multiple injuries. He was later declared dead by paramedics on scene," officials said. "The elephant was already moved away from the camp on arrival."
The reserve released a statement on social media profiles on Wednesday.
"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the untimely passing of FC Conradie (39), CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, who tragically lost his life after being trampled by an elephant on the morning of Tuesday, 22 July," the statement read. The statement went on to confirm what the authorities announced about the incident.
"A devoted husband, father of three young children, and a cherished friend to many, FC was a beloved and highly respected figure—both within Gondwana and across the broader conservation community. His passing has left the team at Gondwana and many others in profound shock and mourning," the reserve continued, with a family friend adding, "This is an unimaginable loss. FC was more than a leader — he was a mentor, a visionary, and a truly remarkable human being."
FC's family and friends are "grieving deeply," but emphasized Conradie's "unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, community upliftment, and sustainable tourism left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him."
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