The American tourist who was mauled to death by a lion on a South African safari in Johannesburg on Monday, has now been identified as Katherine Chappell, a 29-year-old visual effects editor, who had worked on "Game of Thrones," as well as several Hollywood blockbusters.
Assistant Operations Manager at the Lion Park, Scott Simpson, told the Associated Press the attack occurred when a lioness approached Chappell at the passenger side of the car, while she took photos, and then lunged.
"They had their windows all the way down, which is strictly against policy. The lion bit the lady through the window," he explained.
The driver, Pierre Potgieter, tried to fend off the lion before park staff and emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene, however, "Unfortunately, she did pass away," Simpson told the AP.
Simpson said the lion involved would not be euthanized, rather she will be moved to another property owned by the park away from tourists.
NBC News reports that Chappell's family has paid tribute to their "brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited" daughter in a post on Facebook, writing that she "was very much loved and shared her love for life with those she met."
Before You Go
