The victim of a rare deadly bear attack in northern Saskatchewan on May 8 aspired to become a professional mixed martial arts fighter, as revealed by his sibling. Hrishikesh Koloth, aged 27 and originally from Kerala, India, was employed at a uranium exploration site when he encountered a fatal black bear assault.
Koloth had dedicated over a decade to training in MMA, initially in India and later in Canada after relocating three years ago. He resided in Penticton, B.C., with his elder brother Arjun Koloth.
Working as a technician on contract at the Zoo Bay property operated by Vancouver-based UraniumX Discovery Corp, Koloth met his tragic end at the site near Nordbye Lake, approximately 850 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon.
Describing his late brother as a fighter and a dreamer, Arjun expressed that Hrishikesh had ambitious goals, aiming to compete in the UFC. Koloth had been honing his skills at Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton, where he had a supportive team that felt like a second family.
Arjun recounted the heartbreaking moment when he was informed of his brother’s demise by the RCMP at his doorstep at 4 a.m. PDT. A civilian at the scene intervened by fatally shooting the bear, which was subsequently transferred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon for a necropsy.
UraniumX Discovery Corp, the company overseeing the site, confirmed the loss of one of its contractors and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
The victim of the rare fatal bear incident in northern Saskatchewan on May 8 has been identified as Hrishikesh Koloth, a 27-year-old martial artist from India, by his brother.
Arjun disclosed that his late brother was set to commence a position as a boxing coach in Vancouver in June. For Arjun, the job was merely a means to an end, as Hrishikesh’s ultimate ambition was to pursue his passion for fighting.