The American tourist mauled to death by a lion Monday in South Africa has been identified as Katherine Chappell, a 29-year-old who worked as a visual effects editor on Game of Thrones.

Chappell died Monday after a lion leapt through her car’s window at Lion Park in Johannesburg. According to witnesses, Chappell had rolled down her window to take photographs, apparently unaware of an approaching lion. From CNN:

Witnesses in other vehicles honked their horns, trying to get the attention of Chappell and Potgieter as the animal got nearer, according to a source close to the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The lion stopped about a meter from the vehicle as Chappell continued taking pictures, a Lion Park statement said. The animal then lunged at the car, biting the woman through the open window.


Chappell died at the scene from wounds to her neck. Pierre Potgieter, a tour guide, was also injured and may have suffered a heart attack, according to his employer, Kalabash Tours.

NBC News reports that the 29-year-old was on vacation from her job at production company Scanline, where she worked as a visual effects editor for Game of Thrones and for movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Divergence.

“We cannot thank everyone enough for the kind words and support. It means the world to us during this difficult time,” her family said in a statement. “She was very much loved and shared her love for life with those she met.”

Image via Instagram. Contact the author at taylor@gawker.com.