Four-time French Olympian Jacques "Jacky" Boxberger was killed by a bull elephant during a family safari in Kenya's Tsavo East National Park in 2001, with his wife and 13-year-old daughter witnessing the attack.
Attack during family safari
Boxberger, a celebrated middle-distance runner who represented France at four Olympic Games (1968, 1972, 1976 and 1980), had been forced to end his career due to a knee injury. He then turned to coaching his daughter, Ophélie, in the same sport.
The family holiday was intended to be an unforgettable safari in one of Kenya's most expansive protected reserves, home to elephant populations alongside lions, leopards, buffalo and hundreds of recorded bird species.
Fatal encounter with bull elephant
The three stopped for a picnic on a rise overlooking a river, and on their way back chose to stroll along the riverbank to observe wildlife closer. They spotted a bull elephant roaming alone near the water and felt compelled to film the creature.
Video camera in hand, Boxberger pursued the elephant approximately 200 metres from the picnic spot, narrowing the gap each time the animal moved away, according to a statement released by the Kenya Tourist Federation at the time. The creature eventually lost patience and turned to confront the family.
Deadly attack witnessed by family
According to a witness, the trio attempted to flee, but the elephant caught up with Boxberger before he could reach safety. The elephant coiled its trunk around his legs, hoisted him into the air, and hurled him into a nearby tree twice before dropping him to the ground. The animal then stamped on the athlete until he lay motionless, all while his wife and daughter looked on helplessly.
According to Kenyan tourism authorities, the animal retreated into the surrounding undergrowth following the attack, and no public record exists of what subsequently happened to it.
Legacy and memorial
A memorial service was held for Boxberger's family and friends back in France once his body had been recovered. Following in her father's footsteps, Ophélie went on to become an accomplished middle-distance runner who competed internationally for France for many years, earning success at the European Indoor Championships and featuring at both the Olympic Games and World Cross Country Championships.
