The husband of a New Jersey woman who was killed in a rampaging hippo during a couple's trip to Zambia last year is suing a safari tour operator for allegedly negligent.
Craig Manders of Cranford, New Jersey filed a file in Stamford Superior Court in Connecticut on February 5th against his African portfolio, according to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital.
The complaint said Craig, 72, and his wife Lisa, 70, took part in a 10-day safari trip in Zambia, arranged through the Connecticut-based African portfolio.
“Craig and Lisa Manders have reasonably relied on their African portfolio to ensure that Zambian Safari is planned, executed and operated in a moderately safe manner,” the complaint states.
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This photo, provided by Craig Manders, shows Zambian wife Lisa Manders in mid-2024. Lisa Manders died on June 5th, when she was killed in a hippo attack while on a safari with her husband during this trip. (Craig Manders/AP)
During the couple's guided “bushwalk” last May, a cup “suddenly lifted its head and charged out of the water” was partially submerged into the river.
Lisa tried to escape, but said, “I couldn't get away, and the hippo attacked her hard, grabbed her with her mouth, lifted her off the ground, shook her entire body, biting her head and body and crushed her.” Ta. in court documents.
She suffered from “devastating injuries” and died after the attack.
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The lawsuit pointed out that Craig had the front row seat in the horrifying attack, and that the armed guide had fled.
“They should have known that approaching and/or standing in the waters near the wild hippo poses an immediate and serious threat to Craig and Lisa Manders' safety and well-being.” the lawsuit said.
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“Craig and Lisa, by contrast, were not fully aware and properly warned.”
Craig and Lisa Manders guided in Zambia in June when hippos rushed out of the water, grabbed Lisa Mander through their mouths and smashed them in Zambia, according to a lawsuit filed against the African portfolio. I was taking a walk with him. (Monument of dignity)
African portfolio lawyer Rodney Gould told Fox News Digital that the African portfolio arranged Chiawa Safaris in Zambia, the owner of the couple's accommodation and accommodation, and provided tour guides.
“The incident occurred on a walking safari arranged by Chiawa Lodge. Chiawa reports that guests were accompanied by highly trained, experienced professional guides, rangers and armed national park scouts. I did,” he said. “During the safari, the hippo was unexpectedly charged and killed one of the guests. Chewawadge confirmed with both the police and the National Park & Wildlife Investigation at the time. And the guest returned to the safety of the vehicle. Repeated oral warnings for this were issued during the incident.”
“Immediately after that, the founder of the African Portfolio flew to Zambia to provide support along with the owners of Chiawa Lodge and make sure they can do everything they can to support their families and stakeholders,” he said. Ta. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our family and everyone else involved in this tragic incident.”
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The attack made Craig Manders emotionally debilitating and hurting. He is seeking at least $15,000 in damages to pay Lisa's funeral and other expenses.
Lisa Manders has worked in the financial industry for over 40 years and was born in Queens in 1953, and loved cooking, traveling and visiting New York City. According to her obituary.
The couple had three children and a granddaughter.
