A man tragically lost his life in a rare bear attack in northern Saskatchewan on May 8. Identified as Hrishikesh Koloth, a 27-year-old aspiring professional mixed martial arts fighter from Kerala, India, he was employed at a uranium exploration site when the black bear incident occurred.
Hrishikesh had pursued his passion for MMA for more than ten years, starting in India before continuing his training in Canada after relocating there three years ago. Residing in Penticton, B.C., alongside his older brother Arjun Koloth, he was working as a technician on a contract basis at the Zoo Bay property managed by Vancouver-based UraniumX Discovery Corp, located near Nordbye Lake, approximately 850 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon.
Describing Hrishikesh as both a fighter and a dreamer, Arjun revealed that his brother had ambitions of competing in the UFC, with his training at Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton garnering high expectations from those who knew him. The devastating news of Hrishikesh’s demise was delivered to Arjun by the RCMP in the early hours of the morning, shaking his world profoundly.
Following the attack, a civilian on-site took down the bear, which was subsequently sent to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon for a necropsy. UraniumX Discovery Corp expressed condolences to the family of the deceased contractor, acknowledging the tragic incident.
Arjun shared that Hrishikesh was set to commence a role as a boxing coach in Vancouver in June, emphasizing that for his brother, the job was merely a means to an end, with his ultimate goal being to pursue his passion for fighting.
Reflecting on Hrishikesh’s character, Arjun painted a picture of a humble, fearless individual who cherished his family deeply and strived to provide for them. He highlighted Hrishikesh’s unwavering courage in the face of challenges, emphasizing his brother’s relentless fighting spirit and determination.
Currently in Kerala for his brother’s funeral, Arjun expressed his desire for Hrishikesh to be remembered as a valiant fighter and a visionary. He emphasized Hrishikesh’s fearlessness and his relentless pursuit of his dreams, portraying him as a warrior who faced challenges head-on.
The tragic bear attack that claimed Hrishikesh’s life marks only the fourth recorded fatal bear incident in Saskatchewan’s history. The previous incident occurred in 2020 when Stephanie Blais, aged 44, was fatally attacked near her family’s cabin north of Buffalo Narrows.
