Katherine Chappell, a 29-year-old visual effects editor best known for her work on "Game of Thrones" (GoT), was killed during a visit to Lion Park near Johannesburg, South Africa, when a lion attacked her through an open car window.

Chappell, who was on holiday in South Africa, reportedly rolled down her window to photograph a lion resting nearby. The animal suddenly rose, lunged toward the vehicle, and mauled her. 

Eyewitness Ben Govender told the New York Post that the guide leapt into action, striking the lioness in an attempt to stop the attack, but the animal returned for a second assault. Govender described the injuries as catastrophic and said there was nothing that could have saved her.

The tour guide, Pierre Potgieter, suffered serious injuries and later experienced a heart attack from the ordeal, which he said was the most traumatic moment of his life.

Chappell was part of the "Game of Thrones" visual effects team that won an Emmy for the 2014 episode "The Children". She had moved from New York to Vancouver in 2013 for her work and had additional credits on major films, including "Captain America" and "Divergent".

Lion Park officials said that visitors are clearly warned to keep windows closed inside the lion enclosure, where signs and printed instructions reinforce the rule. Animal behaviourist Kevin Richardson, known as the "Lion Whisperer", noted that lions in such parks may lose their natural fear of humans, making strict adherence to safety guidelines essential.

Chappell's family described her in a Facebook statement as a brilliant, adventurous, and warm-hearted woman whose enthusiasm touched everyone she met. Her sister, Jennifer Ringwald, remembered her as "fearless," adding that Katherine approached life with boundless passion despite her small frame.

The park, along with local police, launched an investigation following the incident.