A wealthy California vineyard owner and experienced big-game hunter met a tragic end when a herd of elephants trampled him during an expedition in Gabon’s rainforest. Ernie Dosio, 75, died on April 17 while pursuing a rare yellow-backed duiker in the remote Lopé-Okanda area.
The Fatal Encounter
Dosio joined a $40,000 guided hunt with a professional tracker. The pair suddenly faced five female forest elephants and a calf hidden in thick vegetation. The animals charged at speeds up to 25 mph, a common defense in this dense habitat home to 60% of the world’s forest elephants.
The professional hunter suffered serious injuries first and lost his rifle. Dosio, equipped only with a shotgun for smaller game, fell victim next. A retired hunter familiar with the event noted the attack happened swiftly, sparing prolonged suffering.
The safari operator, Collect Africa, confirmed a client’s death and the guide’s injuries in an official statement.
Family’s Chaotic Discovery
Dosio’s family endured confusion in the hours after the incident. Lawyers received notification before relatives, sparking frustration. Initial rumors suggested buffaloes or other causes, with exaggerated details circulating.
Jeff Dosio, one of Ernie’s sons, addressed online distortions, including leaked trophy room photos. “It hasn’t been fun. It hasn’t been fun at all,” Jeff stated. “I want to set the record straight with my sincerity.”
Ernie’s ex-wife, Rinda Butler Dosio, highlighted the disarray. “There’s so many different things that are going around. Everything gets kind of exaggerated,” she said. “The lawyers got called before the family. It’s a huge shock.” She mentioned another man’s involvement, though reports confirm only injuries.
Online Backlash and Conservation Debate
Dosio’s hunting legacy fueled heated discussions. Comedian Ricky Gervais posted on X: “The best thing is, they’ll never forget it,” prompting criticism for insensitivity. Defenders emphasized legal, conservation-focused hunts that manage animal populations.
“All Ernie’s hunts were strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers,” a retired hunter affirmed. Critics online faced rebukes for ignoring wildlife management practices.
Dosio’s Life and Legacy
Beyond hunting, Dosio built Pacific AgriLands, overseeing 12,000 acres of vineyards in Modesto that support 40% of California’s wine output. Sons Jeff, now president, and Blake continue the business.
A community pillar, he served on the Lodi Winegrape Commission board, held life membership in California Wildfowl, and led in the Sacramento Safari Club and Elks organization.
Lodi Lodge secretary Tommy Whitman shared: “Ernie always had his hand in his pocket and would help out those who needed it. He would never want recognition but he was always there with a loving heart.”
The U.S. Embassy in Gabon coordinates repatriation of Dosio’s remains to California, closing a chapter on a life marked by adventure, business success, and philanthropy.
