A coroner has concluded a retired Bradford chemistry teacher died by misadventure after being trampled by a charging elephant during a walking safari in Zambia.
Janet Taylor Easton, 67, was killed alongside her cousin Alison Taylor from New Zealand, also 67, in South Luangwa National Park on July 3 last year.
Assistant coroner Caroline Chandler delivered the verdict at Bradford Coroner's Court following receipt of a report from Zambia's Ministry of Tourism.
Ms Easton, who also went by Janice, had spent nearly four decades teaching at Titus Salt School in Baildon, and is horrifyingly described as having "died in a matter of seconds" after being trampled by the animal.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
She joined the school's chemistry department in September 1983 and remained there until her retirement in August 2022.
Following her departure from teaching, Ms Easton embraced a life of travel, visiting destinations including New Zealand, Canada and Brazil.
The fatal trip to Zambia had been arranged through the travel company Expert Africa, with Ms Easton and her cousin booking a walking safari holiday in the renowned South Luangwa National Park.
On the morning of the incident, the pair departed their camp early to receive a safety briefing, before embarking on what was intended to be a guided walk to the Luangwa River.
Janet Taylor Easton was killed by an elephant charge in South Luangwa National Park on July 3 last year
| GETTYThe group was accompanied by a guide with a tracker following behind to navigate the wilderness terrain.
During the excursion, the guide observed a female elephant accompanied by a younger counterpart some distance away, with both animals appearing calm.
He altered the group's route to ensure they remained downwind and undetected by the wildlife, but what followed unfolded with devastating speed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The tracker witnessed the elephant charging from behind, and shouted towards the scout who fired a warning shot.
"The elephant did not stop... The elephant reached the group very quickly and Janice fell," Ms Chandler told the hearing.
Medical evidence presented to the inquest established that Ms Easton died from traumatic thoracic injuries sustained in the elephant attack.
Delivering her conclusion, Ms Chandler reflected on the tragedy: "Janice was on a walking safari and went out with all intent and purposes on what she intended to be a lovely excursion that day.
"She certainly didn't anticipate that it would end in the way that it very sadly did".
The coroner addressed Ms Easton's brother William, who attended the hearing via video link, acknowledging that the family still had many unresolved questions, and expressing hope they would eventually find the answers needed for closure.
At an inquest at Bradford Coroner's Court in November, William said he was "deeply disappointed" that the Zambian authorities had not responded to an initial request for evidence and comments.
He said at the time: "Nothing is going to change the matter that Janice is no longer with us, but the family is concerned that lessons should be learned so that other families don't have to go through this".
Phil Temple, head teacher at Titus Salt, described Ms Easton as an "exemplary professional" who he said was an "intrepid traveller, keen photographer and much-loved friend".
He said Ms Easton's impact on "generations of pupils" in the local community had been "profound".
Her "skill, tenacity and determination to ensure all young people had the opportunity to succeed" had been admired by "countless colleagues".
"Janice will be fondly remembered by all in the Titus Salt School and wider communities".
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
More From GB News