THE body of Christopher Gibbs, a 49 year old American tourist, has been identified after being recovered from the Victoria Falls gorge.
Zambia Southern province Police Commanding Officer, Moono Namalongo, confirmed the identification in a statement.
“We are saddened by the loss of life and extend our condolences to the family of the deceased,” he said.
“Our investigation is ongoing, and we will provide more information as it becomes available.”
Gibbs entered Zambia through the Victoria Falls Border Post on January 5, 2026, and was reported missing by his Victoria Falls accommodation lodge after failing to return.
A joint operation involving Zimbabwe police, Zambia police, Zambia Army Marine Unit, Zambia Air Force and Livingstone City Council Fire Brigade retrieved Gibbs’ body from the Victoria Falls danger point.
Police divers made a hazardous descent into the gorge, securing the body with ropes and placing it on a stretcher before hauling it to the surface.
Initial observations suggest Gibbs sustained injuries consistent with a fall from a height.
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A post-mortem examination is expected to establish the exact cause of death.
The authorities are urging tourists to exercise extreme caution when visiting these areas, and investigations into Gibbs’ death are ongoing.
The body is at Batoka Mortuary, Livingstone University Teaching Hospital.
In 2021, another tourist went missing in similar circumstances.
The Australian tourist, aged 67, disappeared near Victoria Falls National Park, with authorities conducting a search operation using dogs and drones.
The tourist had told hotel management he was going to the park, but was not seen entering on CCTV footage.
Such incidents are rare at Victoria Falls, a popular destination attracting thousands of tourists.
This is not an isolated incident, in November 2025, another American tourist, Firman Patrick Lawrence, 68, drowned during white water rafting on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls. The incident occurred at Rapid Number 7, “Gulliver’s Travels”, which Lawrence was leading.
Victoria Falls is known for its breathtaking scenery and adventure tourism activities, but visitors are reminded to stay within designated areas and follow safety guidelines.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zambia Police Services are working together to investigate Gibbs’ death.
