It is with sadness that we confirm an incident that occurred in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve on Tuesday December 7th, in which a guest staying at Bua River Lodge passed away from injuries resulting from an encounter with an elephant in the reserve.

Steven Widdows, a 64-year-old British national visiting Nkhotakota, was injured after an elephant charged him and three other people, including another guest and two Bua River Lodge staff members, while they were walking in the reserve. Bua River Lodge alerted park management, who immediately dispatched a team to assist on the ground before he was transferred directly to a hospital, where he tragically passed away.

The next of kin have been informed and African Parks and Bua River Lodge are coordinating with local authorities to investigate the incident and to provide their full support.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Steven Widdows, and to all who are affected by his passing.

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