A man who died in a rare fatal bear encounter in northern Saskatchewan on May 8 aspired to become a professional mixed martial arts fighter, his brother revealed. Hrishikesh Koloth, 27, originally from Kerala, India, was employed at a uranium exploration site when he was attacked by a black bear.
Having engaged in MMA training for more than ten years, Hrishikesh honed his skills first in India and later in Canada after relocating three years ago. Residing in Penticton, B.C., with his elder brother Arjun Koloth, Hrishikesh was employed as a technician on contract at the Zoo Bay property managed by Vancouver-based UraniumX Discovery Corp, situated near Nordbye Lake, approximately 850 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon.
Remembered by his brother as a fighter and a dreamer, Arjun shared that Hrishikesh’s ultimate goal was to compete in the UFC. Training at Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton, Hrishikesh was highly regarded by his peers, with Arjun expressing deep regret over the tragic turn of events.
The unforeseen news of his brother’s demise was relayed to Arjun by an RCMP officer at 4 a.m. PDT, shattering his world. A civilian present at the site 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 confirmed the fatality of one of its contractors and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family. Arjun disclosed that Hrishikesh was on the verge of commencing a new role as a boxing coach in Vancouver in June, emphasizing that for his brother, work was merely a means to an end—the end being his passion for combat.
Describing Hrishikesh as humble, fearless, and deeply devoted to his family, Arjun portrayed him as someone who cherished his parents and strived to provide for them. Arjun, currently in Kerala for his brother’s funeral, aims to commemorate Hrishikesh’s legacy as a valiant fighter and visionary individual.
Reflecting on his brother’s unwavering courage and determination, Arjun highlighted Hrishikesh’s fearless attitude towards challenges in the ring, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of his fighting spirit under any circumstance. The tragic incident marks only the fourth recorded fatal bear encounter in Saskatchewan’s history, with the previous occurrence in 2020 resulting in the death of Stephanie Blais near her family’s cabin north of Buffalo Narrows.