Game Of Thrones Designer Killed By Lion

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1. Culture

Woman killed by lion in South Africa was Vancouver based Game of Thrones editor

The American tourist who was killed by a lion in South Africa earlier this week has been identified as as Katherine Chappell, a Vancouver-based special effects editor who worked on the Emmy-winning HBO series Game of Thrones.

Jun 03, 2015 • June 3, 2015 • 2 minute read • Join the conversation

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The American tourist who was killed by a lion in South Africa earlier this week has been identified as as Katherine Chappell, a Vancouver-based special effects editor who worked on the Emmy-winning HBO series Game of Thrones.

Described by family as"brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited," Chappell, a New Yorker who moved to B.C. in 2013, had arrived in South Africa only a week prior in order to raise money for anti-poaching initiatives.

Described by family as"brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited," Chappell, a New Yorker who moved to B.C. in 2013

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Chappell's sister wrote, "Her energy and passion could not be contained by mere continents or oceans. She was very much loved and shared her love for life with those she met.We cannot thank everyone enough for the kind words and support. It means the world to us during this difficult time."

The attack occurred at around 2:30 p.m. when a lioness approached the passenger side of Chappell's vehicle as the she took photos and then lunged, said Scott Simpson, assistant operations manager at the Lion Park.

"They had their windows all the way down, which is strictly against policy," he said. "The lion bit the lady through the window." The driver then tried to punch the lion and was scratched by the animal.

Park staff quickly chased the lion away from the car and an ambulance arrived promptly. "Unfortunately, she did pass away," said Simpson, adding that despite the death the lioness would not be put down. "That's not an option," he said.

Nowhere can you get closer to a pride of lions and other animals and still be completely safe

Yesterday, Chappell's tour guide, Pierre Potgieter, denied witness claims that he and his charges had driven around the enclosure with their windows open.

"That's not right… not right at all," he told the Mailonline. "If that's what they're saying, that's not the case. Not at all."

Adding, "I'm still in a shock and daze about it."

Earlier, the U.S. Embassy confirmed that it had received reports of an "incident involving a U.S. citizen" at the Lion Park, which is just outside of Johannesburg, and was ready to offer "any assistance possible."

The Lion Park is a popular destination for tourists who can drive in their own vehicles through large enclosures where lions roam freely. Visitors can also pet lion cubs in smaller pens or have supervised walks through cheetah enclosures.

"Nowhere can you get closer to a pride of lions and other animals and still be completely safe," says the park's website.

They had their windows all the way down, which is strictly against policy

The park would review its policies, said Simpson, but he believes existing safety measures are "more than adequate," if visitors follow them. Big signs advise visitors to keep their car windows up and drivers entering the park are also handed a paper with the same warning, he said.

Earlier this year, South African media reported that an Australian tourist was bitten by a lion when he was driving in the park with his windows open. In April, a teenager was attacked by a cheetah when he tried to cut through the park on his bicycle, reported local outlet, News24.

With files from the Associated Press

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Game Of Thrones Designer Killed By Lion

Source: https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/woman-killed-by-lion-in-south-africa-was-vancouver-based-game-of-thrones-editor

Posted by: jacksonreate1987.blogspot.com

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