Grandfather Trampled to Death Trying to Save Grandchildren From Elephant Attack

A grandfather was trampled to death on Saturday while trying to save his grandchildren from an elephant attack at the largest game park in South Africa.

The man, a South African citizen, and his two grandchildren, aged five and 11, were taking pictures with an elephant near a busy gate at Kruger Park when the animal began attacking, prompting the children to flee, according to a police report obtained by Barron's.

The 11-year-old boy fell while running, injuring his leg, and his grandfather stepped in to save him.

"It was during this time when the grandfather went to assist ... when the elephant turned and trampled on him before it left them and returned into the Kruger national park premises," the police reported state.

Law enforcement stated the man was declared dead at the scene, and his grandson suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Barron's reported.