A 67-year-old British tourist, Janet Taylor Easton, died after an elephant trampled her during a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Her cousin, 67-year-old Alison Taylor from New Zealand, also perished in the rapid attack.

The Sudden Elephant Charge

The group encountered an elephant and her calf that initially appeared peaceful. The animal charged within seconds upon spotting the tourists. Guides fired warning shots, but the elephant reached the group swiftly. Janet fell during the chaos, and the incident unfolded in mere moments on a guided walk toward the Luangwa River.

Inquest Verdict

Zambian authorities submitted a report to the Bradford Coroner’s Court for the inquest into Janet’s death. Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler delivered a verdict of “death by misadventure.”

Chandler described the events: “The plan was a guided walk on foot to the Luangwa River, where they would cross by canoe and continue on an onward flight to a Bush camp. What happened next is described as happening in a matter of seconds.”

She added: “The tracker saw the elephant charging from behind and shouted towards the scout, who fired a warning shot. The elephant did not stop. The elephant reached the group very quickly and Janet fell.”

Concluding the inquest, Chandler noted: “Janet was on a walking safari and went out with all intent and purposes on what she intended to be a lovely excursion that day. She certainly didn’t anticipate that it would end in the way that it very sadly did.”

Janet’s Background and Tributes

Janet taught chemistry at Titus Salt School in Baildon, Bradford, until her retirement in August 2022. Former colleague Phil Temple praised her legacy: “Janice had a profound impact on generations of pupils and students in the local community as well as countless colleagues who admired her skill, tenacity and determination to ensure all young people had the opportunity to succeed. Janice will be fondly remembered by all in the Titus Salt School and wider communities.”

Zambian locals also mourned the women. One resident shared online: “[The pair] had spent four peaceful days immersed in nature’s embrace. Their journey was meant to continue – but instead, we remember them for their courage, their curiosity, and their love for life’s wild places.”

South Luangwa National Park hosts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of elephants.