‘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.

“Occasionally someone dies who deserves it,” wrote another, with many animal lovers declaring his death a victory for wildlife.

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.”

"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.

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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.