An American millionaire and avid big-game hunter tragically lost his life during a hunting expedition in Gabon, underscoring the inherent dangers associated with trophy hunting. Ernie Dosio, 75, a vineyard owner from California, was fatally crushed by a group of elephants while pursuing yellow-backed duiker in the central African nation on Friday, April 22, 2026. His death has raised questions about the ethics and safety of hunting practices in wildlife-rich regions.
Incident in the Lope-Okanda Rainforest
The unfortunate incident occurred in the Lope-Okanda rainforest, a biodiverse area known for its rich wildlife. Dosio and his guide were reportedly taken by surprise when they encountered five female elephants and a calf. The elephants, startled by their presence, reacted defensively, leading to the tragic outcome. The safari operator, Collect Africa, confirmed Dosio’s death and reported that his professional guide sustained serious injuries during the encounter.
Dosio, originally from Lodi, California, was well-known in the hunting community, particularly among members of the Sacramento Safari Club. Throughout his life, he amassed an extensive collection of hunting trophies, including those from elephants and lions. A retired hunter familiar with Dosio remarked, “Ernie has been hunting since he could hold a rifle and has many trophies from Africa and the US. Although many disagree with big-game hunting, all Ernie’s hunts were strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers.”