Millionaire big-game hunter killed after being trampled by elephant herd during $40K expedition

LODI, CALIFORNIA: A millionaire and veteran big-game hunter was killed in the dense jungles of Central Africa after being ambushed and trampled by a herd of five elephants while pursuing small game.

Ernie Dosio, a 75-year-old California vineyard owner known for his extensive trophy collection, was killed during a specialized $40,000 hunting expedition in Gabon when he and his professional guide hunter startled a group of female elephants. 

Dosio killed by elephants while hunting small game

The incident occurred last Friday, April 17 within the thick bushes of the Lope-Okanda rainforest, Daily Mail reports. 

Dosio, an experienced marksman who had successfully hunted Africa’s elephants, leopard, rhino, buffalo and lion over several decades, was in search of the yellow-backed duiker, which is a shy, forest-dwelling antelope. 

Because he was hunting small game under strict local licensing laws, Dosio was armed only with a shotgun provided by the safari company.

The situation turned lethal when the hunting party suddenly stumbled upon five female forest elephants with a calf. The startled elephant herd immediately charged Dosio and his professional hunter.

The jungle was so thick that the elephants seemed to appear out of nowhere.

The professional guide was hit first and thrown aside, losing his heavy rifle in the bushes.

This left Dosio alone with only his shotgun as the animals attacked. 

Dosio mourned by his local California community

Back in Lodi, California, Dosio was known as a successful businessman and a generous donor to charity.

He owned a massive agricultural company and was a leader in the Elks, a charitable service group. 

Lodi Lodge secretary Tommy Whitman shared, "It is with a most heavy heart and sadness that I am reporting the passing of Ernio Dosio. May all of our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. Ernie was Great Elk for 30 years and a pillar in our community who will be sorely missed. Ernie always had his hand in his pocket and would help out those who needed it be it war veterans or handicapped or underprivileged kids."

Dosio’s body to be returned home to his family

The US Embassy is now working to bring Dosio’s body back to his family in California.

While he was famous for his private collection of hundreds of animal trophies, friends say he remained a simple "country boy" at heart.

A family friend explained the shock felt by the community, "The news of his death in Africa was like a bomb going off here. It has been said the elephants came out of nowhere. One thing is for sure, he will get a huge send-off."

Dosio leaves behind his partner, Betty, and two sons who help run the family business.