A devastated spouse shares his experience upon receiving the tragic news of his wife’s death caused by an elephant and reflects on the decisions leading to the untimely incident.
Barry Hoffner recounts his journey with his late wife Jackie, from their college days to falling in love during a trip to India at the Taj Mahal. Their adventurous spirit led them to travel the globe, exploring countries like China, Kenya, and South Africa before settling in various locations and raising their two sons.
In 2017, Barry’s world shattered when he received the devastating call about Jackie’s fatal encounter with an elephant in Botswana. The news struck him like a wrecking ball, especially learning that Jackie’s fate intertwined with the elephant due to a simple act of returning to her tent for tip money.
Struggling to process the tragedy, Barry faced the daunting task of informing his sons about their mother’s passing. Seeking support from a rabbi for Benjamin and delivering the news to Daniel in person in Spain, Barry embarked on a new chapter of life without Jackie.
Amidst grief and healing, Barry found solace in travel, embarking on a journey to various countries, finding connections with people and cultures along the way. Through his foundation, Caravan to Class, Barry honors Jackie’s memory by empowering young women through education and leadership programs across West Africa.
As he continues his global travels, Barry looks forward to visiting North Korea, the last country on his itinerary. Despite the profound loss, he embraces gratitude for the opportunity to move forward and cherish new experiences, all while carrying Jackie’s spirit in his charitable endeavors and personal growth.
