Millionaire Trophy Hunter Trampled to Death By Elephants

Dexerto – A Vineyard tycoon millionaire and big-game hunter has died after being trampled by five elephants during a hunting trip in Central Africa.

Ernie Dosio, a 75-year-old vineyard owner from California, was killed while hunting in Gabon’s Lope-Okanda rainforest, according to reports. Dosio had reportedly been stalking a yellow-backed duiker, a small forest antelope, when the group came across the elephants.

The herd, said to include five female elephants and a calf, was reportedly startled by the hunters’ presence and charged. Dosio was killed in the attack, while his professional guide was seriously injured.

We don't celebrate death here at Barstool Sports. Unless it's like... a terrorist. Or the figurative career death of a Daily Beast contributor who tweeted something negative about our boss 10 years ago. But this blog is not about "celebrating" the death of renowned trophy hunter, 75-year old Ernie Dosio. Even though this is the home he leaves behind.

Then of course, the pro-trophy hunting community would argue that these wildlife preserves are actually funded by these hunters. That they only hunt game they're licensed to hunt in order to keep populations at bay. There's a whole "trophy hunting is a good thing for the animals" spin zone you can get into. 

The American hunter was reportedly well known in big-game hunting circles, with a large collection of animal trophies at home. He was also described by those who knew him as a longtime outdoorsman, conservation supporter, and charity backer.

“Although many disagree with big-game hunting, all Ernie’s hunts were strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers,” a retired hunter who knew Dosio said.

But I'm more of an eye-for-an-eye type of guy. Just because I don't think we should cheer Ernies death, doesn't mean I have to feel bad about it. If this were a Disney movie, I think we all know who the "bad guy" would be. Just look at that trophy room house. How many majestic beasts have had their lives ended by this man? Maybe some of their deaths were good for the population as a whole, but I bet if you ask this rhinoceros on his wall, he would have personally preferred to not die that day.

So if you're a believer in karma (and would prefer to not look at the big picture conservation wise), there truly couldn't be a more just way for Ernie Dosio to go out. And if I had to guess, had asked Ernie himself how he'd like to die someday, being trampled by elephants while trophy hunting in the rainforest was probably near the top of his list.

Charles Bukowski once said, "Find what you love and let it kill you". 

Well, bravo Ernie. You fucking nailed it in that department. I'm not sure if Bukowski meant it quite that literally, but in 75-years of life, I'd imagine this millionaire trophy experienced things most people could only dream of. He amassed one of the largest exotic animal collections in the United States (probably the world). He owned a vineyard in California. If Ernie Dosio spent the latter years of his life drinking wine, and going on hunting trips to remote areas of the world…… my point is, the animals may have gotten the last laugh, but not after Ernie had already run of the score. It would be hard to dunk on this guy too much. It's one thing if it happens to a 45-year old trophy hunter. But for a man to be trampled by elephants after 75 years of crushing life, and doing exactly what he wanted… hell… I might sign up for that right now.