Catholic Deacon Killed in Apparent Bear Attack Left Emotional Final Message for His Father

Anthony Pollio, a 33-year-old Catholic deacon from Florida, is believed to have died in a bear attack at Glacier National Park.

His body was discovered on May 6, about 2.5 miles along the Mt. Brown Trail and roughly 50 feet from the path. Officials said his injuries were consistent with a bear attack, though a formal autopsy was still pending.

Before his death, Anthony called his father, Arthur, while hiking to watch the sunset.

In the voicemail, he described his day and ended with:

“Love you, Dad.”

That was the last message Arthur received from his son.

Anthony also texted that night:

“Dad, I’m hiking up a mountain. It’s wild out here. I love you, Dad.”

Arthur said Anthony was an experienced outdoorsman and hunter who carried bear spray and likely encountered an unusually aggressive grizzly.

Anthony had spent two weeks traveling across the country before arriving in Montana. He loved hiking, working on trails, riding motorcycles, and serving his Catholic church as a deacon.

He had visited several national parks during his journey, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Grand Canyon.

“He was fearless,” his father said, remembering a son who experienced more in 33 years than many people do in a lifetime.

If confirmed as a bear attack, Anthony’s death would be the first fatal bear attack at Glacier National Park since 1998.

Park officials are continuing to investigate.