A wife and four young children are now grieving the loss of their father who tragically died last week in a suspected grizzly bear attack in Montana.
On Friday, the Park County Sheriff’s Office discovered the remains of Craig Clouatre who was a hiker.
The extensive search which began a day earlier using horses to search the grounds and helicopter teams ended in the unfortunate discovery much to the heartbreak of the 40-year-old’s family.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this update. After an extensive search this morning we have located Craig. It appears he had an encounter with a grizzly and unfortunately did not survive,” revealed Sheriff Brad Bichler in a statement posted on social media. “We will continue to work through the afternoon to bring Craig home. Please keep his family and all those involved in your thoughts and prayers,” added Bichler.
Clouatre had apparently set out on an off-trail hiking trip with his friend in Gallatin National Forest searching for antlers shed by elk and other animals, reports the Associated Press. At one point, he and his friend parted ways temporarily and were supposed to meet back at a pre-decided spot, according to a GoFundMe page that has been set up for him. Unfortunately, Clouatre never made it back.
“Unfortunately, he had an encounter with a grizzly bear and did not survive,” revealed the fundraiser’s page. Authorities will not be hunting down the bear as the encounter doesn’t seem predatory but one of chance. “This doesn’t appear to be an attack where the bear sought out the person,” Bichler shared. “It wasn’t like the bear came down into a campground and nabbed someone.”
Officials are still trying to verify if it indeed was a bear that claimed Clouatre’s life. What’s more upsetting is the fact that his death comes just two years after the family lost “almost everything” in a house fire. He leaves behind his four children and his doting wife who miss him more than anything.
“Anyone who has met Craig, had a friend in him. He was a man full of joy and kindness. And more than anything, he loved his family. He leaves behind a loving wife and four beautiful children,” wrote organizer Kristin Wachob, who urged the community to help the family at least with their financial situation.
“There is really no good way to help, at this time the needs they have far outweigh the ability to provide support. But one way we can all rally together is to raise funds so that they don’t have to worry about anything financially…Please join me in wrapping this precious family up and supporting them the best way we can at this time,” she continued.