American Tourist Christopher Gibbs Dies At Victoria Falls Gorge

The body retrieved from the Victoria Falls gorge earlier this week has been identified as Christopher Gibbs, a 49-year-old American tourist who was visiting Zambia.

Zambia’s Southern Province Police Commanding Officer, Moono Namalongo, confirmed the identification in a statement. He said:

“We are saddened by the loss of life and extend our condolences to the family of the deceased.

“Our investigation is ongoing, and we will provide more information as it becomes available.”

Gibbs entered Zambia through the Victoria Falls Border Post on 5 January 2026 and was reported missing by his accommodation lodge after failing to return.

A joint operation involving Zimbabwe and Zambia police, the Zambia Army Marine Unit, Zambia Air Force, and the Livingstone City Council Fire Brigade recovered Gibbs’ body from a dangerous point at Victoria Falls.

Police divers made a hazardous descent into the gorge, securing the body with ropes and placing it on a stretcher before it was hauled to the surface.

Initial observations indicate that Gibbs sustained injuries consistent with a fall from height. A post-mortem examination is expected to confirm the exact cause of death.

Investigations into Gibbs’ death are ongoing, and the body is currently at Batoka Mortuary, Livingstone University Teaching Hospital.

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