Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (February 5, 2025): A 77-year-old German tourist died after being attacked by a wild elephant while riding a motorcycle in the Tiger Valley area of Valparai in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.
Michael Jurcen was traveling on the road when the elephant blocked the path of vehicles. Despite warnings from locals to stay put, Jurcen attempted to cross the road. As he moved forward, the elephant charged, knocking him and his motorcycle to the ground.
A passenger in a vehicle behind filmed the attack, which shows Jurcen trying to avoid the elephant by moving to the right. However, the elephant followed him and attacked again. Juersen fled into the forest but was pursued by the animal. He tried to return to his bike but was again struck by the elephant.
Jurcen was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to a district hospital, where he died from his injuries during treatment.