Hrishikesh Koloth Dies in Canada: Indian-Origin MMA Fighter Killed in Rare Bear Attack in Saskatchewan

A 27-year-old Indian-origin mixed martial arts (MMA) trainee who died following a rare bear attack in northern Saskatchewan in Canada earlier this month has been identified as Hrishikesh Koloth. Family members confirmed his identity this week, sharing that Koloth was a dedicated fighter who moved to Canada to fulfil his dream of competing professionally in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The fatal incident occurred on May 8 at a remote mineral exploration camp.

The Incident at Nordbye Lake in Canada

Koloth was killed while working as a contractor technician at the Zoo Bay uranium exploration property, an active site operated by Vancouver-based UraniumX Discovery Corp. The remote project is located near Nordbye Lake, approximately 850 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. ‘We Are Traumatised’: Indian-Origin Woman in Canada’s Edmonton Says Diwali Fireworks Burned Her Home, 3 Men Charged With Arson (Video).

Authorities confirmed that following the encounter, a civilian at the site shot and killed the bear. The animal was subsequently sent to undergo a necropsy as part of the investigation into the exact circumstances of the encounter.

Hrishikesh Koloth's Decades-Long Dream Cut Short in Canada

Originally from Kerala, India, Koloth relocated to Canada three years ago to pursue his athletic aspirations. He resided in Penticton, British Columbia, with his older brother, Arjun Koloth, while training heavily on the domestic circuit. He had accumulated more than a decade of competitive martial arts experience across both India and Canada. "That was his dream. That's why he came here," Arjun said. "He wanted to fight in the UFC," he added. Koloth trained at Skoden Martial Arts in Penticton, where coaching staff maintained high expectations for his competitive future. To support his training, he took temporary technical contracts, though his primary focus remained on his sporting career. He was scheduled to relocate to Vancouver in June to begin working as a boxing coach. "Job is just a means to an end," Arjun said. "The end was to fight."

Hrishikesh Koloth Remembered as a Warrior

Family members described Koloth as a fearless, committed athlete who never backed down from a challenge in the gym or the ring. "He's not scared of anything," Arjun said. "Two days notice before a fight? Doesn't matter. Opponent heavier than him? Doesn't matter. Win or lose, he just wanted to fight," he added. Arjun recalled receiving the devastating news early in the morning. “An RCMP came to my door and knocked and let me know that your brother has passed away in Saskatchewan,” he said. Arjun has since returned to Kerala to conduct the final funeral rites alongside his parents. He emphasised that he wants his brother to be remembered for his fierce competitive spirit. "I want him to be remembered for what he does. Innocent heart, fighter's soul. Warrior. And I'd just like to say he fought [the] bear. That's all … bear didn't attack him. He attacked the bear." 'It Feels Like India': Chinese Woman Expresses Shock at Large Indian Community in Canada (Watch Video).

Wildlife experts note that fatal bear encounters remain extraordinarily uncommon in the region. This incident marks only the fourth fatal bear attack in Saskatchewan’s recorded history. Before this tragedy, the province’s last recorded fatal encounter occurred six years ago in 2020, when 44-year-old Stephanie Blais was killed near her family’s cabin north of Buffalo Narrows. Provincial authorities have since reiterated seasonal safety warnings, reminding resource workers and wilderness residents that bears are actively emerging from their winter dens.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2026 07:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).