Hofstra Grad Katherine Chappell ID'd as Victim in Lion Attack

BY ALFRED BRANCH

Katherine Chappell, a 2008 Hofstra University graduate, has been identified as the woman killed by a lion Monday during a visit to a private game park in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The 29-year-old, a visual effects editor who worked on the hit HBO show “Game of Thrones,” was mauled when a lion lunged through the window of the vehicle she was riding in, reports the New York Post. A tour guide who was driving was injured fighting off the lion.

The windows had been down on the vehicle despite numerous signs around the park that warn visitors to keep them closed, NBC News reported.

Chappell grew up in Rye in Westchester County and reportedly moved to Canada in 2013.

Her sister, Jennifer, paid tribute in a Facebook post Tuesday.

“We are broken-hearted to share this news with our friends and family. Yesterday morning, while on a volunteer mission to protect wildlife in South Africa, Kate Chappell was involved in a tragic and fatal accident,” Jennifer Chappell wrote. Katherine Chappell had moved to Canada to work in the entertainment industry.

“Katie was a brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited woman. Her energy and passion could not be contained by mere continents or oceans. She was very much loved and shared her love for life with those she met.

“We cannot thank everyone enough for the kind words and support. It means the world to us during this difficult time.”

Photo of Katherine Chappell via Instagram

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