VARYSBURG, N.Y. -- The lifelong farmer and founder of Hidden Valley Animal Adventure in Varysburg was trampled by an antelope, according to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office.
Hans Boxler Sr., 81, was found dead at the park early Monday morning after a family member said he didn't come home at his usual time Sunday night.
Family members found the antelope and secured it, just before finding Boxler's body. Boxler was feeding animals in a fenced-in area when he was trampled by a Nilgai antelope that got out of its pen, according to authorities.
The sheriff's office said the animal was not loose from its confinement, just out of its pen which they say is secured by a secondary retention fence around the area.
Boxler has been around animals all his life and actively took care of and fed them daily, family said. Time Warner Cable News has spoken to him a few times in the past about the Adventure Park.
Located on more than 60 acres of land, the animal adventure is home to animals like camels, zebras, bison and llamas. The park’s wild game safari tours provide guests with up close interaction with the animals.
"This has been here several years now, a long time, we've never had an accident. Mr. Boxler has been a farmer over 60 years and he's done a great job, we've never had a problem before," said Undersheriff David Linder.
The Monroe County medical examiner has determined the death to be accidental and the cause is multiple blunt force injuries. As for the park, it remains open.
The park remains open this week.