Paul Connolly, Founder Of Victoria Falls’ Shearwater, Dies At 72 After Kayaking Trip

Paul Connolly Dies Doing What He Loved: Kayaking The Zambezi Gorges

The adventure tourism world and the community of Victoria Falls have been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of pioneering legend Paul Connolly. The 72-year-old founder of Shearwater Adventures died on Sunday, 1 February 2026, after a suspected heart attack while exiting the Batoka Gorge after a kayaking trip with close friends. Connolly, a man whose name is synonymous with Victoria Falls tourism, passed away in the very river landscapes he helped make famous, dying with his boots on as he would have wished.

News of his passing was confirmed by Shearwater Victoria Falls in a poignant tribute posted on 2 February. The company announced he died from a suspected heart attack while exiting the gorge following a kayaking trip.

The Matabeleland North Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda, provided a detailed chronology of the event. He stated the private trip began at gorge 18 and that Connolly began complaining of chest pains before the group reached gorge 19.

Inspector Banda outlined the desperate efforts to assist him.

“When they reached gorge number 19, one of the team members then called Bruce Ncube, who is a porter, to come with the equipment and try to help the deceased person walk up the gorge.”
The rest of the team proceeded ahead to prepare vehicles but returned to find Connolly unconscious. An ambulance was called, and a helicopter was dispatched, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paul Connolly, Founder Victoria Falls' Shearwater, Dies At 72 After Kayaking Trip — [Image: Shearwater]

A Legacy Carved From The Zambezi River

Paul Connolly was not merely a businessman; he was a visionary explorer who transformed his passion into an industry. In 1982, he pioneered canoeing on the lower Zambezi. By 1985, he had founded Shearwater and pioneered commercial whitewater rafting on the Zimbabwean side of the river, activities that became the cornerstone of Victoria Falls’ modern adventure tourism appeal.

His impact is felt far beyond the boardroom. Tributes have poured in from all corners, painting a picture of a Renaissance man. Shearwater’s tribute called him a “warrior, author, poet, scholar, philosopher, conservationist, sportsman, raconteur, lawyer, friend, mentor and loving family man.”

Lawyer and former politician Fadzayi Mahere, who worked with Connolly on an environmental case, shared her grief on X.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of a dear friend, lawyer, conservationist, community champion and all round amazing human, Paul Connolly… His zest for life and nature were infectious… Above all, he wanted the richness of the entire Falls experience to be as accessible as possible to the Vic Falls community and Zimbabweans.”

A Community Mourns A Founding Father

The outpouring of grief on social media underscores Connolly’s profound connection to people from all walks of life. Former taxi driver Tarisai Chikwati recalled a memorable conversation, noting,

“I once drove him from Kazungula border to his house in Victoria Falls… he told me he’s a former Rhodesian police officer… I learnt a lot of history about Zimbabwe from him… we have to celebrate his life because he shaped our tourism industry.”

Long-time friend Keith Stewart simply stated, “He was a man I admired so much for all that he did particularly for Vic Falls adventure tourism.”

Staff and former colleagues also paid heartfelt respects. Dennis Mhlanga, a former employee, wrote,

“Rest in peace Paul Connolly was my boss for a long time… I’m so sorry about this bad news… he was a hero.”

Another, SK Van Staden, credited Connolly with shaping futures, saying,

“Thank you for the gift of Shearwater… It was more than a company… a training ground that shaped our futures.”

Connolly is survived by his wife, Marie, his four daughters, Dani, Claire, Julie, and Nikki, and his grandchildren. As the Victoria Falls community and the global adventure tourism industry come to terms with this immense loss, the roaring waters of the Zambezi will serve as a permanent testament to the life and legacy of Paul Connolly—a true pioneer who lived and died for adventure.