Thomas McAfee, 58, pictured above. (USC News/Nick Abadilla)

This past week had been anticipated as a promising, new start for the Keck Medicine of USC Medical Foundation, but Tuesday morning will instead mark the continuation of a week-long period of mourning and reflection.

Dr. Thomas McAfee, 58, had intended to begin his first week as chief executive of the newly-formed Keck Medicine of USC Medical Foundation on September 3rd, but was tragically killed in a horrific accident on August 31st.

Details surrounding his death have not been disclosed by the State Department, but MailOnline UK claimed McAfee was "trampled to death by a charging elephant" while on safari in Tanzania. It is unknown if McAfee's body has been released to his family yet.

McAfee recently resigned from his position as dean of clinical affairs for the University of California San Diego to pursue his new position with the Trojan family. The adventurous doctor had spent over 10 years at UCSD. Colleagues were openly anticipating his arrival at Keck Medicine of USC.

The Keck Medicine of USC Medical Foundation is a recent expansion "intended to add primary and specialty practices into the Keck Medicine network," according to a USC press release announcing McAfee's appointment, dated August 7th.

The beloved physician was expected to utilize his acute health care acumen to forge new partnerships with a broad network of healthcare providers and practitioners. McAfee's loss leaves the foundation reeling.

In a statement released shortly after McAfee's death, Thomas Jackiewicz, senior vice president and CEO of USC Health, told the press, "We are devastated by this news."

"Tom was a dear friend of mine and a respected colleague," expressed Jackiewicz, "His contributions to health care were numerous, and we were  excited by the opportunity to begin a new chapter of his life and career helping us propel USC forward in its health-care growth. The world has lost a kind and talented individual far too soon."

An integral part of Keck Medicine's new foundation, McAfee's passing leaves a massive void that Keck must find a way to fill.

When questioned about the impact of McAfee's passing on the future of the fledgling foundation, Jackiewicz told Neon Tommy that the "physician foundation is a key part of our strategy, and we will continue our efforts to develop it."

"We will restart our search for the CEO of the foundation immediately," he added.

Meanwhile, Keck Medicine and the extended Trojan family are left to remember the distinguished career and remarkable life of a colleague cut far too short.

Reach reporter Will Federman here or tweet him at @wfederman.