Pictured: American wildlife volunteer Katie Chappell mauled to death by lion in a car

The victim of a lion attack in South Africa has been named as 29-year-old Katie Chappell.

Originally from Rye, New York, she lived in Vancouver, Canada, and was visiting South Africa to take part in volunteer work to protect animals from poachers.

She was killed at the weekend when a lioness attacked her through an open window of her car at Lion Park, Johannesberg.

Julia Straker, spokesman for the State Department, said: ‘We are providing all possible consular assistance. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim of this terrible tragedy."

Katherine"s sister Jennifer posted a tribute message on Facebook that said: ‘We are broken-hearted to share this news with our friends and family: Yesterday moing, while on a volunteer mission to protect wildlife in South Africa, Kate Chappell was involved in a tragic and fatal accident.

Katie was from Rye, New York, but lived in Vancouver (Picture: Instagram)

Her sister paid tribute to her on Facebook (Picture: Instagram)

‘Katie was a brilliant, kind, adventurous and high-spirited woman. Her energy and passion could not be contained by mere continents or oceans. She was very much loved and shared her love for life with those she met.

‘We cannot thank everyone enough for the kind words and support. It means the world to us during this difficult time."

Earlier this year she started a GoFundMe page to raise $1,300 for Wildlife ACT. She was a graduate from Hofstra University and leaves behind her parents, two sisters, and a brother.