The death of Anthony Pollio, a 33-year-old hiker from Florida, has shocked relatives and authorities after who was found lifeless in Glacier National Park, in Montana, after an alleged bear attack during a solo hike.

The man had disappeared while on a two-week trip with a friend. His body was found on Wednesday about 50 feet from a mountainous trail, according to the U.S. National Park Service.

“I love you, dad”: the last message from Anthony Pollio

The victim's father, Arthur Pollio, told to the media that he received a last voice message from his son while he was hiking the Mountain Brown Trail.

According to he said, Anthony sounded exhausted from the hike, but excited by the experience. Before he said goodbye, he told him how much he loved him.

“He said: ‘Dad, I’m climbing a mountain. This is wild.’ Then he added: ‘I love you, dad,’” Arthur Pollio told to NBC6.

That was the last contact they had. The National Park Service began the search on May 4 after the family reported they had no news of the hiker.

Rescue teams located some Pollio's personal items in a densely wooded area before finding the body.

The authorities noted that the wounds were “consistent with an encounter with a bear” and specified that the investigation remains open.

“The evidence suggests that this was a surprise encounter,” the organism indicated in a statement.

The section of the trail where the event occurred was temporarily closed while specialists monitor the behavior of wildlife in the area.

The family believes he tried to defend himself

Pollio's family members suspect that the hiker may have encountered a grizzly bear while walking toward an observation tower to watch the sunset.

His father believes Anthony probably used bear pepper gas before trying to escape. “I think the bear chased him and attacked him,” Arthur Pollio said.

The victim's brother, Nicholas Pollio, explained that the hike did not seem dangerous and that Anthony had experience in outdoor activities. rsports. In addition, he helped as a deacon in his local church. Graduated from the University of Central Florida in the area of hospitality, he was a fan of water sports, off-road vehicles and travelling to national parks.

“He lived more experiences in 33 years than many people in a lifetime,” his father expressed.

According to reports cited by local media, this would be the first death caused by a bear attack in Montana since 1998.