American Hunter Killed in Uganda

[Ontario Hunter]

Update: One source (who knew Mr. Cox from a previous safari) recalls that Mr. Cox hunted Cape buffalo in the past with a .416 Remington Magnum made by Montana Rifle Company.

Now, it’s too early to tell. But assuming that it’s true (and that this is the same rifle which he was using on this ill fated safari), what could have gone wrong ?

If a MRC that he's used "in the past", it's almost certainly a Model 1999, essentially a CRF 98 Mauser/Model 70 clone. Those had a 3-position side safety almost identical to Model 70. The bolt shroud would not detach after firing a shot, barring the gun being blown completely to pieces.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Come on, man. Be reasonable. There are lots of single/divorced/widowed men in their advanced age (who probably are estranged from their family, if they have any alive) that make hunting trips overseas to live out their passion as long as they’re reasonably healthy. It happens. I have many single buddies (even one in his 90s) that make trips to Africa on safari all the time.

And the US State Dept can't find anyone related to them? Mr Cox may indeed be an old loner with no family attachments and lots of money (he hunts Africa regularly). It's certainly a possible scenario but given the natural human attraction to wealth, it would be unusual if his entire family has cast him out. I highly doubt "lots" of guys fall in that category. I'm sure someone in his extended family will turn up eventually. Just makes an unusual story more unusual.

Incidentally, I do fall in the category of old geezer who's both widowed and divorced but I still ensure someone in my family knows where I'm going when I head to Africa. A bit more than driving to Walmart.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

And the US State Dept can't find anyone related to them? Mr Cox may indeed be an old loner with no family attachments and lots of money (he hunts Africa regularly). It's certainly a possible scenario but given the natural human attraction to wealth, it would be unusual if his entire family has cast him out. I highly doubt "lots" of guys fall in that category.

Incidentally, I do fall in the category of old geezer who's both widowed and divorced but I still ensure someone in my family knows where I'm going when I head to Africa.

Same here. I’m divorced too. But my parents, children & grandchildren always know wherever I’m going.

 

[Russ16]

I’ll be the contrarian here on informing people. I went to Azerbaijan on a hunt and neglected to tell anyone. Just slipped my mind. They were quite surprised when I got back. I travel regularly for work including a decent amount international. It just doesn’t occur to me to tell anyone. I’m divorced with no kids.

I do list an emergency contact with the outfitter. It’s usually someone in my family.

 

[Milehighshooter]

I'll pay any updates I hear from my customer. It is possible he might have given emergency contacts who are NOT next of kin, and the state dept won't release his remains to them.