American businesswoman, 75, is killed by a HIPPO on safari in Africa: Entrepreneur dies in her son's arms after brutal attack during a family vacation to Tanzania
- Carol Sue Kirken, 75, killed by hippo on Saturday while on safari in Tanzania
- Michigan woman had been a vice president with Arbonne Cosmetics Company
- The grandmother's last post on Facebook was about witnessing mass migration
- Details surrounding the entrepeneur's death are unclear
A 75-year-old American businesswoman has been killed by a hippopotamus while on an African safari with her family.
Carol Sue Kirken, of the suburban Detroit town of Rochester Hills, Michigan, died on Saturday while on a family vacation in Tanzania.
The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear, but her obituary states she 'died quickly in the arms of her son Robert.'
Her final post on Facebook said that they'd seen a mass migration of hippos and bull elephants on the same day she died, Fox 2 Detroit reported.
Carol Sue Kirken (right) died on Saturday in the arms of her son Robert (left) after a hippopotamus attacked her on a safari in Tanzania
Kirken was an avid world traveler and local philanthropist who posted many pictures of her adventures with friends and family online
Hippopotami are among the world's most dangerous mammals, and kill an estimated 500 people every year.
They have sharp teeth and can outrun a human on land, and have also been known to attack and capsize small boats, killing the passengers.
Kirken was on the safari with her son Robert Kirken, a university dean from Corpus Christi, Texas, and the two were watching hippos when the attack occurred.
Friends and family of Carol Kirken poured out tributes to the woman upon the shocking news of her death.
'You were an amazing woman and the greatest grandmother anyone could ask for,' grandson Eric Strickler wrote on Facebook.
Kirken was a registered nurse who went on to become a doctor recruiter for a hospital and an executive for a national cosmetics company
Hippopotami are among the world's most dangerous mammals, and kill an estimated 500 people every year (file photo)
A registered nurse, she was a doctor recruiter for Crittendon Hospital, and most recently worked as a national vice president for Arbonne Cosmetics Company.
A noted local philanthropist, Kirken helped found the Women's Fund of Rochester Hills, and also worked to help military families in need.
'Carol was a passionate leader, and she dedicated herself to causes to help those who were less fortunate,' Rochester Hills Mayor Brian Barnette told WDIV.
Kirken is survived by her husband Bill, three children and five grandchildren.
Kirken (left and right) is survived by her husband Bill, three children and five grandchildren.
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