Catholic Deacon Mauled to Death by Bear Left Touching Final Voicemail for Dad

A young Catholic deacon who was killed in a horrifying suspected bear attack at Montana’s Glacier National Park left behind one final, heartbreaking message for his father just moments before tragedy struck.

Anthony Pollio, a 33-year-old Florida native known for his adventurous spirit and deep faith, was found dead on May 6 after setting out on a solo hike along the rugged Mt. Brown Trail. Authorities say his body was discovered roughly 50 feet off the trail with injuries consistent with a bear attack.

Now, his devastated family is sharing the chilling final moments before his death.

Anthony’s father, Arthur Pollio, told the Sun Sentinel that his son called him during the hike and left a voicemail while climbing toward a sunset lookout. Breathing heavily from the steep trail, Anthony excitedly described his day and the beauty around him before ending the message with three simple words:

“Love you.”

The emotional voicemail would be the last time his father ever heard his son’s voice.

Arthur described Anthony as “fearless” and said the outdoorsman had spent the previous two weeks traveling across the country alone after separating from a friend during the road trip. According to his father, Anthony regularly checked in throughout the journey, often leaving detailed updates from the road.

The trip had already taken him through some of America’s most iconic national parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and Starved Rock State Park.

“He packed more life into 33 years than some people do in 90,” Arthur said.

Anthony wasn’t just an adventurer. He was also a Catholic deacon deeply involved in his church community back in Florida. Friends described him as passionate, energetic, and devoted to both his faith and the outdoors.

When he wasn’t hiking or clearing trails in parks around the country, Anthony loved motorcycles and spending time with family and friends.

His father believes the attack likely happened suddenly and without warning. Anthony was reportedly an experienced hunter and outdoorsman who understood wildlife risks, but Arthur suspects he may have encountered an unusually aggressive bear.

Park officials say the investigation is ongoing, and a formal autopsy has not yet been completed.

If confirmed, Anthony’s death would mark the first fatal bear attack inside Glacier National Park since 1998 — a grim reminder of the dangers that still exist deep in America’s wilderness.

For Anthony’s family, though, the pain is far more personal. They’re now left replaying the final voicemail from a son who never made it home.