Brit vacationer trampled to loss of life by ‘peaceful’ elephant in seconds throughout safari
An elephant which appeared to be ‘peaceful’ has claimed the lives of two women in a terrifying safari attack. British woman Janet Taylor Easton, 67, tragically lost her life in the fray alongside her cousin
Janet Taylor Easton, 67, died in the attack(Image: Southern Funeral Home)
A British tourist has tragically lost their life after being trampled to death in seconds by an “peaceful” looking elephant in a horrific safari accident.
British tourist Janet Taylor Easton, 67, and her cousin Alison Taylor, 67, from New Zealand, both lost their lives in a shocking safari attack. The attack took place at Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park after the group came across an elephant and her calf, which “appeared peaceful“.
Tour guides revealed the animal first charged Alison within seconds of spotting the group. During the attack, guides fired warning shots at the beast. Police have stated the safari guides were unable to stop the attack despite their effort. The Zambian Tourism Ministry submitted a completed report to the Bradford Coroner’s Court as part of an inquest into Janet’s tragic death.
From the report, Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler reached a final verdict, ruling that the cause of Janet’s passing was “death by misadventure”.
Speaking at the inquest, she said: “The plan was a guided walk on foot to the Luangwa River, where they would cross by canoe and continue on an onward flight to a Bush camp. What happened next is described as happening in a matter of seconds.
“The tracker saw the elephant charging from behind and shouted towards the scout, who fired a warning shot. The elephant did not stop. The elephant reached the group very quickly and Janet fell.”
“The tracker saw the elephant charging from behind and shouted towards the scout who fired a warning shot. The elephant did not stop.”
Concluding Chandler said: “Janet was on a walking safari and went out with all intent and purposes on what she intended to be a lovely excursion that day. She certainly didn’t anticipate that it would end in the way that it very sadly did.”
Janet taught chemistry during her career at the Titus Salt School in Baildon, Bradford. The educator retired in August 2022. Janice’s former colleague Phil Temple has spoken fondly of her and stated she was admired for her “skill, tenacity and determination.”
Phil said: “Janice had a profound impact on generations of pupils and students in the local community as well as countless colleagues who admired her skill, tenacity and determination to ensure all young people had the opportunity to succeed. Janice will be fondly remembered by all in the Titus Salt School and wider communities.”
Alongside her former colleague, Zambian locals have also mourned the loss of Janet and her cousin. One local has taken to the internet to share their thoughts on the two women’s tragic deaths.
The local expressed: “[The pair] had spent four peaceful days immersed in nature’s embrace. Their journey was meant to continue – but instead, we remember them for their courage, their curiosity, and their love for life’s wild places.”
The South Luangwa National Park website reports the region has one of the highest concentrations of elephants across Africa.
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