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

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

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

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

He described his day and talked about being out in the mountains.

Then he ended the message with three simple words:

“Love you, Dad.”

It was the last message his father would ever receive from him.

Anthony also sent his father a text that night.

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

Those words would become an unforgettable final goodbye.

Arthur said his son was an experienced outdoorsman and hunter. Anthony carried bear spray and was familiar with wilderness conditions, making the suspected encounter even more difficult for his family to understand.

Anthony had spent about two weeks traveling across the country before arriving in Montana.

He loved hiking, working on trails, riding motorcycles, and spending time outdoors. He also served his Catholic community as a deacon.

During his journey, he visited several national parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Grand Canyon.

His father remembered him as someone who lived fearlessly and embraced adventure.

“He was fearless,” Arthur said, describing a son who experienced more in 33 years than many people manage in a lifetime.

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

Park officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

For his family, however, the investigation cannot change the most painful fact.

Anthony’s final words to his father were not about fear.

They were words of love.

“I love you, Dad.”

And those are the words Arthur will carry with him forever.