Texas billionaire gives to student in chimp attack

The Associated Press

July 6, 2012

The Texas billionaire who once owned the Minnesota Vikings, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets is raising money for a University of Texas at San Antonio graduate student attacked by chimps in South Africa.

Red McCombs says his foundation is writing a $5,000 check to the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, which is collecting donations for Andrew F. Oberle. McCombs tells The Associated Press his goal is to raise $100,000 for the 26-year-old student.

Oberle was attacked last week by two chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden in eastern South Africa.

McCombs said he read about Oberle’s plight. He says the money will go toward Oberle’s medical expenses and anything else he needs.

Donors have already raised about $20,000 separately.