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WEST BROOKFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Massachusetts native was the victim of a suspected grizzly bear attack in Montana, while he was on a mountain hike.
According to a GoFundMe campaign posted by a family friend, On Wednesday, Craig Clouatre of West Brookfield was on a hiking trip with a friend when they were temporarily separated, and Clouatre failed to meet at the rendezvous point on the trail. Clouatre grew up in Massachusetts and moved to Montana more than twenty years ago, the Associated Press said.
After rescue efforts on Friday, officials said that Clouatre's body was found and that it was suspected he had an encounter with a grizzly bear and did not survive, the post said. Kristin Wachob, the friend who created the GoFundMe page, said Clouatre was a man of good character.
"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," Wachob said.
Wachob also included a statement from Jamie Clouatre, Craig's wife.
"To say we are broken is an understatement. I have to relearn how to be and who I am and stay strong enough for our kids. No easy way to put it, this is not fair, they don't deserve this. The support in this community is incredible and I know it comes from Craig...who he was, a joy, a truly kind, good, good man," Jamie said.
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At the time of posting, the GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than $81,000.
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