A British tourist who was deaf in one ear has been trampled to death by a wild elephant in the Indian jungle.It is believed keen birdwatcher Colin Manvell was taking wildlife pictures and didn’t notice the beast until it was too late.The 67-year-old suffered massive internal injuries after the giant animal smashed him with its trunk and then stomped on him in the Masinagudi forest in Tamil Nadu, southern India.The retired geography teacher, who had travelled extensively in the region, was rushed to hospital by his local guide but died after there was no doctor on duty to treat him.
The Masinagudi forest, which also contains a protected tiger reserve, and is popular with wildlife enthusiasts.It is understood Mr Manvell from Havant, Hampshire, ventured into the forest alone to take pictures of birds before being unwittingly felled by the animal.Indian elephants can grow to a height of 11ft and can weigh up to five tons.
According to the forest warden, Gnanadoss, Mr Manvell apparently did not notice the adult male elephant move up to him until it was too late.
[showmyads] He said: “It swiped him with its trunk and then trampled him on the ground.”Gnanadoss said the tragedy occurred just 100 yards from a site where a woman was killed by elephants in 2009.Mr Manvell’s brother Derek described the tragedy as a “massive shock”.The 74-year-old from Portsmouth, Hampshire, said: “In the last five years safaris have become his passion.He has been out there twice a year. He arranged to go on a safari and the guides went with him.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “We can confirm the tragic death of a British national, Colin Manvell on 19 September in Masinagudi, Nilgiris District.“We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”Mr Manvell’s devastated nephew Rodger said: “The whole family are in shock at the moment and our main priority is to get him back.
After retiring from teaching 15 years ago, Mr Manvell, who lived alone after becoming divorced from his wife Mairi, ran a garden company from his home.Devastated pal Michael Isaacs, 62, revealed his friend was partially deaf and may not have heard the elephant charging at him.They were friends through their involvement in the Portsmouth and District Lawn Tennis Association.
Mr Manvell was former president and champion of The Avenue Lawn Tennis Club in his home town of Havant, which traces its history back to 1902.Fellow member Angie Brown today said: “He was a very good tennis player and had been a club member for years.
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