A Catholic deacon tragically lost his life in a suspected bear attack, leaving behind a heartfelt voicemail for his father before setting off on what turned out to be a fatal hike to catch the sunset.
Thirty-three-year-old Anthony Pollio was discovered deceased in Montana’s Glacier National Park, approximately two and a half miles into the Mt. Brown Trail on May 6.
Authorities found his body about 50 feet off the trail, with injuries that suggest a bear attack, although a formal autopsy is still pending, according to the park’s news release.
Anthony’s family has independently confirmed the tragic news to media in his home community in Florida.
Arthur Pollio, Anthony’s father, shared with the Sun Sentinel that his “fearless” son had left him a voicemail during his hike. He recalled Anthony sounding breathless while narrating his day, finishing with a heartfelt “Love you.”
Arthur noted that Anthony had maintained this habit throughout a two-week road trip he had been on with a friend, who had departed when they reached Montana.
The grieving father explained that Anthony was an experienced hunter who was likely caught off-guard by a particularly aggressive bear.
When Anthony wasn’t clearing trails at parks across the country, the “motorhead” could be found cruising around Florida or preaching at his local Catholic church, Arthur said.
Anthony, a lifelong Floridian, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in hospitality.
Before his final excursion in Montana, Anthony hiked through the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and the connected Grand Teton National Park, Starved Rock State Park and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, his father said.
“His life experiences in 33 years — some people don’t get to do ’til they’re 90 or their whole life,” Arthur told the outlet.
Anthony’s purported mauling marks the first deadly attack in Glacier National Park since 1998.
The last bear-related injury was recorded in August 2025.
The park is still investigating Anthony’s death.
