Penticton, British Columbia — A promising mixed martial artist’s dreams were tragically cut short when he was killed in a bear attack while working at a uranium exploration site in northern Saskatchewan. Hrishikesh Koloth, 27, originally from Kerala, India, had moved to Canada in 2023 with aspirations of pursuing a professional fighting career.
The fatal incident occurred on May 8, 2026, at the Zoo Bay site, operated by UraniumX Discovery Corp., located roughly 850 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon. Officials from Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Community Safety reported that a civilian at the remote site fatally shot the bear before law enforcement arrived. Details surrounding the circumstances of the attack remain scarce.
Koloth was a dedicated martial artist with over a decade of training. Residing in Penticton with his older brother, Arjun Koloth, he trained at Skoden Martial Arts, a gym that Arjun described as integral to their family. With an undefeated amateur record in both wrestling and submission grappling, Hrishikesh was well-regarded in martial arts circles.
His brother revealed that Hrishikesh’s dream was to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was preparing to start a new position as a boxing coach in Vancouver in June, viewing work primarily as a means to fuel his passion for the sport. “He wanted to fight; that was his goal,” Arjun shared, reflecting on Hrishikesh’s unwavering commitment to his aspirations.
The tragic news reached Arjun in the early hours of the morning when a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer knocked on his door. While Hrishikesh worked as a technician at the site, the events leading up to the attack are still under investigation by local authorities.
Arjun recently traveled to Kerala for his brother’s funeral, seeking solace with family members during this difficult time. He emphasized Hrishikesh’s character, describing him as humble, brave, and fiercely devoted to family. “I want him remembered for his kind spirit and fighting heart,” he said. “He faced every challenge without hesitation.”
Fatal encounters with bears in Saskatchewan are rare, with Koloth’s death marking only the fourth recorded fatal bear attack in the province’s history. The last incident occurred in 2020. Following the tragedy, the Saskatchewan government reiterated the importance of bear safety, especially in areas where human activity intersects with wildlife habitats.
UraniumX Discovery Corp. announced it has temporarily halted operations at the site while the investigation unfolds. In a public statement, the company expressed gratitude for the quick actions taken by the workers and emergency responders at the scene, underscoring the commitment to safety for all personnel involved in their projects.
As the community mourns the loss of Hrishikesh Koloth, his brother is left reflecting on what could have been. “He had so much potential; everyone saw it,” Arjun lamented. “This should not have been his end.”