The woman mauled to death at a lion park in South Africa on Monday has been identified as an American tourist who has done award-winning visual effects work on Game of Thrones.
Katherine Chappell, 29, was killed by a lioness that bit her neck while she was taking pictures through an open window at the Lion Park in Johannesburg, police say. The young woman likely didn't see the animal coming; witnesses say they honked their horns to warn her as it snuck up on the side of her car. The park has said it forbids open windows and has posted signs warning tourists to keep them closed.
In a Facebook statement, Chappell's family stated she was visiting South Africa as part of a volunteer mission to protect wildlife.
So long Canada! Next stop London! A photo posted by Kate Chappell (@katertots85) on May 25, 2015 at 4:57pm PDT
The visual effects editor was employed at the Vancouver office of Scanline, a company that says it specializes in producing "complex effects for high end feature film and commercials." On IMDB, a website that tracks information about film productions, Chappell is credited for her work on Game of Thrones, Godzilla and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
One of the Game of Thrones episodes she contributed to, "The Children," won a 2014 Emmy for Outstanding Special and Visual Effects.
The company congratulated its "team of artists and colleagues" that won the award on Facebook.
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Chappell also posted two photos on her Instagram page posing with the trophy.
Just an emmy...no big deal :-) #got A photo posted by Kate Chappell (@katertots85) on Aug 18, 2014 at 9:59am PDT
Me and the always awesome CG sup, Thomas Schelesny for Game of Thrones! #official #emmy #ballin A photo posted by Kate Chappell (@katertots85) on Aug 18, 2014 at 5:03pm PDT
"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," her sister, Jennifer Chappell, wrote in a tribute on Facebook. "We cannot thank everyone enough for the kind words and support. It means the world to us during this difficult time."
Neither HBO nor Scanline has issued any statement on the young woman's death. A memorial service will be held for Chappell in her hometown of Rye, New York, on Saturday.
Officials in South Africa have allowed the park to continue operating and its owners say the lioness who bit the woman will not be put down.