A man who had aspirations of becoming a professional mixed martial arts fighter was tragically killed in a rare bear attack in northern Saskatchewan on May 8. Hrishikesh Koloth, 27, hailing from Kerala, India, was employed at a uranium exploration site when he was fatally mauled by a black bear.
Having dedicated over a decade to training in MMA, both in India and Canada where he had relocated three years ago, Hrishikesh resided in Penticton, B.C., with his older brother Arjun Koloth. He was employed as a technician on a contract basis at the Zoo Bay property, which is managed by Vancouver-based UraniumX Discovery Corp, situated near Nordbye Lake, approximately 850 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon.
Arjun described his brother as a determined individual with big dreams, stating that Hrishikesh’s ultimate goal was to compete in the UFC. Trained at Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton, Hrishikesh had a strong support system and was highly regarded by those around him.
The devastating news of Hrishikesh’s passing was delivered to Arjun by the RCMP in the early hours of the morning, shattering his world. A bystander at the scene intervened by shooting and killing the bear, which was subsequently sent to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon for examination.
UraniumX Discovery Corp acknowledged the loss of one of its contractors and expressed condolences to the grieving family. Arjun revealed that Hrishikesh was scheduled to commence a role as a boxing coach in Vancouver in June, emphasizing that his true passion was in fighting.
Describing Hrishikesh as a kind-hearted, fearless, and devoted family man, Arjun highlighted his brother’s unwavering love for their parents and his eagerness to provide for them. Arjun is currently in Kerala for his brother’s funeral, reflecting on Hrishikesh’s bravery and determination.
The incident marks only the fourth recorded fatal bear attack in Saskatchewan, with the previous one occurring in 2020 when Stephanie Blais, aged 44, lost her life near her family’s cabin north of Buffalo Narrows.