‘That’s karma’: Infamous lion hunter’s death celebrated online
Controversial Italian hunter Luciano Ponzetto has died after falling 30 meters (100ft) down a ravine. His death occurred while he was hunting, prompting many to describe it as “karma”.
Ponzetto, who became a figure of controversy after posting images of his trophy kills online, slipped on ice and fell down a ravine according to Corriere Della Sera. The 55 year old had been hunting birds in Colle delle Oche near Turin in Italy when the accident happened.
It seems the photos Ponzetto posted previously hadn’t left a good impression, with social media users rejoicing in Ponzetto’s death, or “divine intervention,” as it was described by some.
Luciano Ponzetto,who posed with lion he killed, has died after plummeting down a ravine, while shooting birds, Devine intervention, karma 😂😂
— Nanny Sue (@nannysue_sue) December 13, 2016
Luciano Ponzetto. What goes around, comes around. Karma's a bitch :)
— Zak (@WengersWay) December 15, 2016
Luciano Ponzetto, il veterinario cacciatore che ammazzava gli animali per divertimento, è morto durante una battuta di caccia. pic.twitter.com/8fMcVHrs3z
— Luca Massenz (@LMassenz) December 11, 2016
“Occasionally someone dies who deserves it,” wrote another, with many animal lovers declaring his death a victory for wildlife.
È morto Ponzetto Luciano il veterinario che faceva i safari e uccideva leoni!!!!!! EVVIVA ogni tanto muore qualcuno che se lo merita!!
— Diana (@anaid1958) December 11, 2016
Italian vet Luciano Ponzetto who was also a trophy hunter died whilst out hunting in Italy HURRAH !!!!
— molly brown (@goodgolly007) December 10, 2016
Luciano Ponzetto, véto et chasseur (si si). Il vient de mourir... en chassant.
— Maud Bernabé (@MaudBernab) December 15, 2016
Chute de 30m dans un ravin.
Karma: 1 - Gros con: YOU LOSE pic.twitter.com/mNbzV3jmTZ
Big game hunter Luciano Ponzetto dead after falling off a cliff...while hunting birds. Rot in pieces, fucktard! pic.twitter.com/DhDZcIs6Sc
— Ⓖⓘⓛⓜⓘⓔ (@ShayGilmer) December 15, 2016
Last year, Ponzetto received death threats and hate mail after photos of him posing next to animals he had killed emerged online, with comparisons being drawn between him and Walter Palmer, a US dentist who killed and posed with the famous Cecil the lion.
Ponzetto, who worked as a vet, defended his actions saying his job was “not incompatible with hunting, either morally or professionally.”
Big game lion hunter Luciano Ponzetto dies after falling 100ft down a ravine while shooting birds. #Karma#Animalspic.twitter.com/s14Yw00vfO
— Animal Awareness (@WWA_Awareness) December 13, 2016
"I am being criticized by people who do not know me, I have always loved my work and I have always loved animals. I will carry on hunting until the law changes," Ponzetto said at the time.
He had threatened to take legal action against any media publications reporting the story “without considering whether or not the story was in the public interest," his spokesperson said.
READ MORE: Cecil the Lion's killer will not be prosecuted in Zimbabwe – official
The controversy over the images eventually led to him stepping down as the medical director of an animal kennel.
Prior to his death he had just returned from a hunting trip in Canada.
