Grandfather Is Trampled to Death by Elephant While Reportedly Protecting His 2 Grandchildren

Mar. 15, 2025

Elephant in South Africa in 2013.Photo:Ian Walton/Getty

Ian Walton/Getty

Stock photo of elephant in Kruger National Park.Edwin Remsberg / VWPics via AP Images

Edwin Remsberg / VWPics via AP Images

According to Mpumalanga police, per the outlets, Ahmed was trying to protect his two grandchildren, aged 11 and 5, after the elephant “suddenly came charging towards them” as they had been taking photos and videos of the animal at the park

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said in a statement, per IOL News, “The eldest child is said to have managed to grab the youngest one, and both ran towards their grandfather, who also took off as he realized that the elephant was charging.”

“The elephant came towards him and attacked him with its trunk. At this point their grandfather rushed to the children’s aid when the elephant turned and trampled him,” he confirmed.

The grandfather died at the scene, IOL News and AFP reported.

The 11-year-old boy “sustained injuries to his legs” while the 5-year-old girl had no injuries in the incident, according to the outlets.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.PEOPLE has reached out to Kruger National Park and Mpumalanga police for further comment.

source: people.com