Westchester native killed in lion attack in South Africa

RYE, N.Y. (WABC) -- The American who was mauled to death by a lion in a South Africa game preserve has been identified as a woman who grew up in the New York suburbs.

Katherine Chappell's funeral is planned for Saturday. Gene Guarino, director of the Graham Funeral Home in Rye, N.Y., confirmed that Chappell was the victim in Monday's attack in the Lion Park north of Johannesburg.

Chappell's family in Rye posted a statement on Facebook describing her as brilliant, kind and adventurous.

A park official said the woman was attacked through an open car window as she took photos. The driver also was injured. The official says park rules require car windows to be closed.

Chappell attended Hofstra University.

Her family is in mourning over the unexpected death, and her old community is in shock.

"It's just a shame," Rye resident Paul Murphy said. "She has a great career, grew up in Rye, Holy Child graduate. You know, you're on vacation, you should be able to enjoy life."

Chappell was killed while riding in a car in the Lion Park safari north of Johannesburg. According to her tour guide, Chappell had lowered her window despite warning signs and was snapping pictures when the lioness reached in and attacked her. That tour guide was injured fighting off the animal and remains hospitalized.

According to park rules, windows in vehicles driving through the popular tourist destination where lions roam free are to be kept closed at all times.

"I think for the internationals, they do sometimes come here with the idea that it is a bit of Disney World thing, where these are tame lions," park assistant operations manager and spokesperson Scott Simpson said. "And I think that is a problem. I think it does need to be stressed that these are still wild animals, even if they were born in captivity, and that is largely why we have all the signage up and we stop them and explain before they go in. But it seems some people still don't quiet believe it."

Chappell grew up with three sisters and a brother. Recently, she moved to Canada to work for a Vancouver-based special effects company. Her recent credits include the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones." But Chappell loved animals and was in South Africa for a volunteer stint with a wildlife conservation group.

Her family released a statement on Facebook that reads, in part, "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."

A wake and funeral are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Rye.

Despite the attack, the Lion Park safari remains open, although visitors were driving through with their windows rolled up.

Simpson said it is "operating as usual," except the area where the attack occurred has been closed off. At the entrance, tour guides and private operators shepherded dozens of visitors into the park, driving minibus taxis and safari vans covered in wire mesh.

He said the park was investigating the attack.

The attacking lioness will not be euthanized, but will be moved to another property owned by the park away from tourists.

Tumelo Tshoeu, who lives in South Africa's capital Pretoria, surprised his girlfriend with a trip to the park for her birthday.

"I didn't want to come," Idah Mabula said, adding that she was fearful after hearing about the fatal attack. But she said she felt at ease once she was on the tour.

"As long as you follow the instructions, I think you'll be OK," Tshoeu said.

Associated Press journalists visiting the park on Tuesday noted that everyone seemed to be obeying the rule.

Associated Press reporter Nqobile Ntshangase contributed to this report.