“He Was an Angel on Earth”: Rhino Expert Jaco Muller Dies After Crash in Namibia, Community Mourns

• Jaco Muller, 53, the well-known rhino farmer and founder of the Rhino Momma Project, died in a gyrocopter accident on 19 September 2026
• The project's vet raised the alarm after Muller failed to return from his routine daily flight over the farm to check on his rhinos
• His son Tristan sprang into action as he waited for authorities, taking steps that led him to discover the crash site

Jaco Muller, the 53-year-old founder of the Rhino Momma Project and a celebrated rhino conservationist, died on 19 September 2026. His gyrocopter came down during a routine flight over his farm in Namibia.

The alarm was raised by the project's veterinarian, Dr Juliette Erdtsieck, after Muller failed to return from his daily aerial check on the rhinos he had dedicated his life to protecting. She explained that she and the team tried every way to reach him. Erdtsieck said, speaking emotionally while travelling back from the crash site.

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"He was unreachable. We could not get hold of him by radio or his cellphone, and that is not like him."

With no word from Muller and growing concern among the team, his son Tristan took matters into his own hands. He tracked his father's cellphone and followed the signal to the crash site, where he found the wreckage. The Namibian Police Force's Kunene regional commander, Commissioner Eric Clay, confirmed that a gyrocopter accident had taken place and that officers were deployed to the scene.

The Rhino Momma Project, which Muller founded, focused on the care and protection of rhinos in Namibia, a country that has faced intense pressure from poaching. A post by Republikein showed that Muller was widely regarded as one of the region's most passionate advocates for rhino conservation. Read the Republikein report on Jaco Muller's passing:

Wildlife community mourns a rhino hero

News of Muller's death drew an outpouring of grief from those who knew him and followed his work:

Ludi Van Aardt wrote:

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"This is so heartbreaking. May the Holy Spirit comfort and assist them."

Jessica Louisa Simons said:

"Too sad. Condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace 🙏"

Liane' Odendaal Smit added:

"The rhinos have lost a true friend. Our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of a man who meant so much to the rhino."

Rose Gaeses shared:

"Again, angel, you were here on earth, may you rest in peace, what a loss for Namibia's wildlife."

Horst Lang wrote:

"Absolute terrible news! RIP Jaco. Condolences to the family! 😢"

Annett Von Wielligh said:

"My heartfelt sympathy, strength to his wife, children, Uncle Koos, Aunt Yvonne, Lelanie, family and friends."

Other Briefly News stories about wildlife conservationists

• Helderberg Wildlife Rescue founder Rico Pentz tragically passed away at age 39 after being bitten by a dangerous snake during a rescue call-out.
• Renowned South African reptile handler and YouTube conservationist Graham "Dingo" Dinkelman passed away after suffering a fatal snake bite.
• André du Preez, affectionately known as "Oom Slang" and founder of Silverfox Snake Rescues in Worcester, passed away following complications linked to a spider bite.

Source: Briefly News