A South Florida hiker has been confirmed dead following an apparent bear attack at Glacier National Park in Montana. Arthur Pollio, the father of the victim, provided details to NBC6 on Saturday regarding the tragic incident that occurred during a two-week road trip. Anthony Edward Pollio, 33, was traveling with a friend when he went missing in the national park. His body was discovered on Wednesday, and while authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances of the death, park officials stated that his injuries were consistent with those sustained by a bear attack.
Final Moments and Investigation
According to Arthur Pollio, his son was on an extensive road trip through the central United States, traveling through Texas, Arizona, and Nevada before arriving in Wyoming and finally Montana. He believes Anthony pulled directly into Glacier National Park for his adventure. Before disappearing, Anthony had embarked on an advanced trail. Arthur recalled receiving a text message from his son that evening, which read, "Dad, I'm hiking up a mountain. It's wild out here." The father noted that the last message he received was simply, "I love you, dad," before the silence began.
Arthur Pollio shared insights from the coroner's report and the recovery team's findings. He stated that his son likely encountered a grizzly bear and utilized all of his bear spray in defense. "Based from the coroner's report on his injuries, we believe he came across a grizzly bear, and he used all of his bear spray," Arthur said. He added that when officials returned to the site several days later to recover the body, the area was "very odorous from the bear spray," indicating the intensity of the confrontation.
A Life Remembered
Arthur Pollio described his son as a Davie native who played soccer for the Archdiocese of Miami and attended the University of Central Florida. Emphasizing his son's resilience, Arthur used powerful language to describe Anthony's character and his final actions. "He was a warrior," Arthur said. "He was a gladiator. He was a Viking. He would never give up." These descriptions highlight the father's pride in his son's fighting spirit, even in the face of a fatal encounter with wildlife.
This incident marks the first deadly bear attack in Montana since 1998, drawing attention to the risks associated with hiking in remote wilderness areas. Glacier National Park is known for its rugged terrain and significant grizzly bear population, which requires visitors to take strict safety precautions. The community in South Florida and among Anthony's peers at UCF are now mourning the loss of a young man who was exploring the country during a memorable journey.
