Woman killed by lion in South Africa was a Vancouver-based special effects artist

WATCH: An American woman who was mauled to death at a South African wildlife park was working in Vancouver. Ted Chernecki reports.

VANCOUVER – The American woman killed by a lion in South Africa on Monday has been identified as Vancouver resident Katie Chappell.

The 29-year-old was at a wildlife park when the animal attacked her through an open car window, also injuring the driver of the car who remains hospitalized. The car’s windows were open, contrary to park rules.

Chappell’s sister wrote on Facebook that Kate was on a volunteer mission to protect wildlife in South Africa when she was involved in a tragic and fatal accident.

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.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: 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.

Chappell, originally from Rye, New York, had been living in Vancouver and was a special effects editor. She won an Emmy for her work on the award-winning TV series Game of Thrones along with other projects such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Godzilla and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

In Vancouver she worked for Scanline. The company declined to comment on Wednesday.

Tributes for Chappell are pouring in on social media, especially on her Instagram account where she posted some photos from South Africa.

She graduated from Hofstra University in 2008. The School of Communication released a statement on Facebook saying it was saddened by her passing.

The park where the attack took place remains open and operating as usual. Scott Simpson, assistant operations manager at the Lion Park, told the Associated Press the attacking lioness will not be euthanized, but will be moved to another property owned by the park away from tourists.

A wake will be held on Friday, June 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Graham’s Funeral Home in Rye. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help cover the costs of travel arrangements and moving expenses.