Dad Who Was Attacked by 70-Lb. Bear in Front of His Son Has Died, Family Says

Dad Attacked by Bear in Front of His Son Passes Away, Family Confirms

A tragic incident involving a bear attack has resulted in the passing of a 72-year-old man from Arkansas. Vernon Patton, who was involved in a confrontation with a juvenile black bear earlier this month, has succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by state officials and his grieving family. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission spokesperson shared the heartbreaking news that Patton, a resident of Ozark, Ark., breathed his last on Sunday, Sept. 14, less than two weeks after the terrifying encounter with the animal in the Mulberry Mountain area on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The family also verified the devastating news through KNWA/KFTA.

Before his untimely demise, Patton had been transferred to hospice care in Springdale as a result of the severe injuries sustained during the bear attack. The distressing incident unfolded while Patton was engaged in spreading gravel on a road. Upon his son’s arrival to check on him, a harrowing sight awaited him – his father being viciously mauled by the bear, as stated in an initial report by officials shared with PEOPLE. The juvenile male bear responsible for the attack weighed approximately 70 lbs.

According to reports, the bear inflicted severe cuts and puncture wounds to Patton’s head and arms, leaving him in critical condition. In the aftermath of the attack, Patton’s family expressed their bleak outlook on his chances of survival, indicating that his injuries were extensive and ultimately fatal. In a statement following the incident, the family described Patton as their beloved father, grandfather, husband, and hero, emphasizing his passion for working on his land alongside his family.

The rarity of bear attacks on humans in the region was highlighted by an AGFC spokesperson, pointing out that such incidents had not been documented in Arkansas for at least 25 years. Statistics from the North American Bear Center reveal that, on average, black bears cause less than one human fatality per year in North America.

In the wake of this tragic loss, the community is left reeling from the devastating impact of the bear attack on Vernon Patton. The family’s heartfelt statement and the details surrounding the incident serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise from interactions with wildlife. As friends and well-wishers come to terms with the news, the memory of Vernon Patton will endure as a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones and staying vigilant in the face of nature’s unpredictability.