Tragic News: British Columbia Man Who Fought off Grizzly Bear Passes Away
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Joe Pendry, a British Columbia man who bravely defended himself against a grizzly bear in the East Kootenay region, has succumbed to his injuries over three weeks after the harrowing encounter.
Janice Pendry, his wife, shared the devastating news that Joe passed away on a Saturday morning, with doctors attributing his death to a suspected blood clot.
Just before his untimely death, Joe had shown signs of improvement, being able to walk in Kelowna General Hospital. Janice fondly recalled his spirits being high as he was “laughing and joking” the night before he passed away.
The incident took place on October 2 near Fort Steele, northeast of Cranbrook, while Joe was out hunting elk. Despite being charged by the bear, the resilient 63-year-old, a former boxer, fought back fiercely, using his fists and even resorting to biting the bear before shooting it in the leg. His actions led to the bear retreating, and it was later discovered deceased by the BC Conservation Officer Service.