Big game hunter crushed to death by falling elephant that was fatally shot

A big game hunter was crushed to death by a falling elephant that was fatally shot by one of his party.

Theunis Botha, 51, was killed when the animal fell on top of him during a group hunting expedition in Gwai, Zimbabwe on Friday.

His group came across a breeding herd of elephants, according to reports, and fired at the animals.

Alarmed by the intrusion, the elephants charged at the hunters and one of them picked up Mr Botha with its trunk.

The company said he pioneered European-style ‘Monteira’ hunts in Africa, where packs of dogs are used to drive deer and boar towards hunters.

He often travelled to the US to bring back wealthy Americans to partake in big game trophy hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Carike, and their five children, who all live in Tzaneen, South Africa.

Mrs Botha is expected to travel to Zimbabwe to bring her husband body’s home.

A spokesman for the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority said the incident happened at the Good Luck Farm near Hwange National Park.

Mr Botha was friends with hunter Scott van Zyl, 44, who was killed by crocodiles in Zimbabwe last month.