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Daughter's Heartbreak: Refused Hug Before Dad Killed by Elephant
15 Oct
Summary
- A young woman couldn't say goodbye after refusing a hug from her father.
- Her father was tragically killed by an elephant in a national park.
- She expresses deep regret over their final, unsaid farewell.
A devastating encounter with an elephant tragically claimed the life of Simon, a 63-year-old father, in November 2020. His daughter, Lily Burgess, now 23, recounted the heartbreaking final moments she shared with him. The morning he left for South Luangwa National Park, Lily, then 17, refused his attempt at a goodbye hug, an action she deeply regrets.
Simon was helping establish a camp when he went to check a borehole and was attacked by a bull elephant. Unlike his companions, Simon, hampered by a bad leg and recovering from shingles, couldn't outrun the animal. His death certificate cited blunt and penetrating chest injuries and head trauma.
Lily described her father as her best friend, whose passions included family, wildlife, and fishing. The sudden loss left a profound void, and she continues to process the trauma, finding ways to keep his memory alive and honor his legacy.
