Dad Of 4 Killed By Grizzly Bear Near Yellowstone National Park

PRAY, MT — The body of a Montana father of four was found near Yellowstone National Park, and authorities say they believe he was killed by a grizzly bear.

Craig Clouatre, 40, of Livingston disappeared Wednesday near Six Mile Creek, about 90 miles west of Big Sky, Montana, the Park County Sheriff's Office said. Rescuers including ground, horse and helicopter teams were sent to the area to search for the overdue hiker.

He had left for a hike with a friend and the two split up, authorities said.

"They split up at some point later in the morning," Sheriff Brad Bichler told the Livingston Enterprise. "When the other man returned to their vehicle and his friend wasn’t there, he called us and we began searching."

Rescue teams used aerial thermal imaging overnight to search for Clouatre.

On Friday afternoon, authorities said his body had been found.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this update," Bichler said in a statement posted to the office's Facebook page. "After an extensive search this morning we have located Craig. It appears he had an encounter with a grizzly and unfortunately did not survive. We will continue to work through the afternoon to bring Craig home."

Bichler asked for thoughts and prayers for Clouatre's family. On Sunday, he said there was a remarkable outpouring of love and support for Clouatre and his family.

"This community is one that consistently rallies together to help one another in times of need and struggle," he said. "I visited with Craig’s wife this morning and she has [reiterated] to me that she and the family understand that Craig loved to be in wild places and was well aware of the risks involved with that."

A GoFundMe account created by a family friend has raised more than $80,000. Kristin Wachob, who organized the effort, said the family almost lost everything in a house fire just two years ago.

"There is really no good way to help, at this time the needs they have far outweigh the ability to provide support," she said. "But one way we can all rally together is to raise funds so that they don’t have to worry about anything financially."

Wachob said those who met Craig Clouatre knew they had a friend in him.

"He was a man full of joy and kindness," she said. "And more than anything, he loved his family. He leaves behind a loving wife and four beautiful children."

Checks can be made out to Jamie Clouatre and dropped off at Gray’s General Store, she said.

Jamie Clouatre said in an update Monday posted to the GoFundMe account she appreciated all the sentiments and memories of the "most amazing person I have ever known, my husband." She described him as a joyous, kind and good man.

"I loved him with every single fiber of me....he was a vital part of me and our children and it is going to be a struggle for the rest of our lives," she said. "To say we are broken is an understatement. I have to relearn how to be and who I am and stay strong enough for our kids. No easy way to put it, this is not fair, they don't deserve this."