In Memoriam - Professional Hunter Erwin Kotze from Thormahlen & Cochran Safaris killed by Elephant

Sad news. I hunted with Erwin his first year as a PH, and always spent time with him at SCI each year. Very sad.
 
Much to young to go...My condolences to all the family and friends
.
 
Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to all. Do we have any additional news on how this trajedy occured?

dt
 
Very sad to hear of this, another young man gone. Condolences to his family.
 
Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to all. Do we have any additional news on how this trajedy occured?

dt

PH Killed By Elephant In Namibia

PH Erwin Kotze, recently killed by an elephant.

Professional Hunter Erwin Kotze died Tuesday, April 23, after being trampled by an elephant in northwestern Namibia. Kotze, who was only 27, was a PH for Peter Thormahlen of Thormahlen & Cochran Safaris.

Kotze was guiding a client while hunting desert elephant in the Kaokoland concession called Orupupa Conservancy. The hunting party had been tracking a bull since morning. Kotze stalked closer to evaluate the ivory. Something went wrong, and the animal charged him without warning. The elephant trampled Kotze, breaking his pelvis. Another PH in the party carried Kotze to the hunting vehicle and called for a medivac to meet them at a nearest airstrip. Unfortunately, Kotze died of internal injuries before reaching the airstrip.

Kotze was unmarried and is survived by his parents, Werner and Erna Kotze, who were flying into Namibia from their home in Botswana to make funeral arrangements. In a statement issued to The Hunting Report, Peter Thormahlen said, "We are shocked, grieved and very, very heartbroken. Erwin was like a son in our house."

Condolences may by sent to Thormahlen & Cochran Safaris by email to info@africatrophyhunting.com or
by snail mail to
70 Columbus Street, PO Box 26201,
Nelspruit, 1200 South Africa.

For the Kotze Family, send to
PO Box 478, Francistown, Botswana.
Send flowers to Kotze Family,
Ferndal Village No 2,
Windhoek, Namibia.

The Hntg Rpt,
 
Been out of the country for the last week. Terrible news to come back to. My prayers to Erwin's family and friends.
 
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Hello! I saw your post from last year about a missing crate from your hunt in Moz. I am curious how that all turned out? We (my fiancé and I) also hunted in Moz in 2024 and the trophies are being shipped with Hunters Services Limitada. We have some concerns on whether we will get the trophies home or not. May I ask who you hunted with?
 
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