Respected Nigel-born conservationist and co-owner of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Gary Freeman (65), has died following an elephant encounter.

The incident occurred on April 9, during an evening game drive in the reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park.

Freeman was guiding tourists when an elephant charged and fatally trampled him. He was declared dead at the scene.

A veteran wildlife guide with decades of experience, Freeman was widely known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the bush and his lifelong dedication to protecting South Africa’s wildlife and natural heritage.

Originally from Nigel, Freeman spent much of his life in the Lowveld, where he became a pillar of the conservation community.

Tributes have been pouring in from the Klaserie community and the broader conservation fraternity, with many describing him as a gentle, humble, and highly respected figure in the industry. Police have opened an inquest into the incident.