Obituaries

Katherine Chappell, 29, of Rye ID'd as Victim in Lion Attack

Chappell was killed Monday in a private game park in South Africa

Katherine Chappell, who grew up in Rye, 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.

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

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“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.

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“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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