Почетный оператор Карлос Карвалу погиб от удара жирафа во время съемок в Южной Африке

Award-winning filmmaker killed by giraffe in terrifying attack in wild Carlos Carvalho, 47, an award-winning filmmaker, died after a giraffe struck him while he was filming at a South African safari retreat in 2018 An award-winning filmmaker met a tragic end when a single powerful swing of a towering giraffe's neck struck him in the head, killing him. Carlos Carvalho, 47, died in the shocking twist of fate while on assignment at a South African safari retreat. Carlos was attempting to film Gerald the giraffe in his natural environment when the animal swung its neck with devastating consequences. The director was launched into the air before crashing to the ground, and he sadly died of his injuries later that evening in 2018 after being airlifted to a hospital in Johannesburg. The tragedy occurred at Glen Afric farm in Broederstroom, a well-known park that was known for featuring in the British television series Wild at Heart. His agency described the incident as "a fatal run in with a giraffe on set.", reports the Daily Star. Calla Crew posted on Facebook saying: "It is with a very sad heart that we have to announce the passing of Carlos Carvalho. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Carlo's family and friends during this very sad time." Richard Brooker, whose family operates the retreat, said that Gerald, the bull giraffe responsible, would not be put down as he presented no threat to others. "When Carlos was standing in front of the giraffe, the animal spread its legs, bent its neck and swung its head at Carlos," explained Brooker. "Gerald will remain at the lodge. He did nothing wrong," he told The Telegraph. A Glen Afric spokesperson stated that Carlos had breached safety guidelines by straying from the group and venturing too close to the animals, according to CNN. Drikus Van Der Merwe, who witnessed the May 2, 2018 tragedy, said: "The giraffe started chasing the boom swinger who joined our unit. We didn't feel threatened because he just seemed to be inquisitive." However, the situation rapidly deteriorated. Van Der Merwe explained: "We started shooting closeups of its body and its feet. Then while Carlos was looking through the camera eyepiece Gerald swung his neck and hit him against his head. "It came out of nowhere and Carlos didn't even see it coming. "He wasn't aware of the danger." Drikus stayed optimistic Carlos would pull through, not expecting the devastating outcome. He said: "I knew he had a severe head trauma. But I never thought he would die." Glen Afric Country Lodge confirmed an independent investigation was underway into Carvalho's death. "The accident occurred after filming with animals had come to an end and the giraffe was moved off the set by animal wranglers who were in attendance," it said. Glen Afric said the animal swung his head "making contact with the cameraman and knocking him off his feet." He added: "The management and staff of Glen Afric are deeply saddened by this unfortunate accident and join the production company in extending their sincere condolences to the cameraman's family and friends." Carlos had secured a Cannes Lion award in 2003 for a South African Childline public service announcement, and worked as director of photography on 'The Forgotten Kingdom', the first feature film produced in Lesotho. Heartfelt tributes poured in on Facebook for the Johannesburg father-of-two, with touching messages portraying him as a "wonderful human being". His colleague Chris Roland paid his respects, writing: "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Carlos Carvalho, a very nice guy and talented DOP [director of photography] I had the honour of working with twice. A great loss to the industry. Farewell Carlos!". Props master Thabiso Mohapi added: "RIP my brother! Meeting and greeting you that morning at breakfast shooting the first scenes of the morning didn't know it was our last time together."