03/10/2006

Briton trampled to death by elephant

A British man has been killed by being trampled by an elephant while on honeymoon in Kenya.

Patrick Smith, 34, from London had been in the Masai Mara game reserve with his wife Julie when the tragedy occurred.

Mr Smith, who worked for global media group Reuters, had just got married on September 23.

It is unclear how the tragedy occurred, however it is believed that the animal may have been startled or could have been a lone or 'rogue' animal.

A spokesperson for the Kenya Wildlife Service said that efforts would be made to track the elephant in an attempt to find out what happened.

A spokesperson for Reuters said: "Clearly it is a very tragic situation, we are sending our condolences to the family, we are trying to help them practically as best we can."

A statement issued by Julie Smith and her family said: "Paddy was loving, generous, humorous, and a wonderful husband. He was also a devoted son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, many people. His tragic early death will leave a huge gap in all our lives."

(KMcA/EF)

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