Former Canyon View Wrestler Survives Grizzly Bear Mauling

SALT LAKE CITY – A Northwest College wrestler from Cedar City, Utah experienced a grizzly bear attack and recently discussed surviving the mauling.

The attack occurred outside of Cody, Wyoming on Saturday, October 15, according to CowboyStateDaily.com. Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, which is about 25 miles northeast of Cody.

Cedar City Wrestler Mauled By Bear

Cedar City’s Brady Lowry, a redshirt sophomore, was one of the Northwest wrestlers who was attacked by the wild animal. Lowry won multiple Utah state wrestling titles during his time as a student at Canyon View High School. The former Falcon signed with Northwest College in 2019.

Kendall Cummings of Evanston, Wyoming was also mauled by the bear.

Trappers athletic director Brian Erickson confirmed the attack via CowboyStateDaily.com. The athletic director said that both athletes experienced injuries “very serious in nature” and have undergone multiple surgeries. Both athletes are expected to live.

Two athletes from Northwest College in Powell, Wyo are recovering from serious injuries suffered in a grizzly bear attack on Saturday. When one of the athletes saw the grizzly attacking his friend, he attacked the grizzly and tried to pull it off of him. https://t.co/NahJhStStE

— Cowboy State Daily (@daily_cowboy) October 17, 2022

CowboyStateDaily detailed the attack that unfolded during a hike the wrestlers took:

“Erickson said the incident happened while Cummings, Lowry and two other members of the wrestling team were horn hunting in the South Fork outside Cody. He said the foursome had traveled from the school in Powell after a practice.

As the four were hiking down the mountain, Erickson said the group became separated. Without warning, a grizzly jumped out and started attacking Cummings and Lowry.

Erickson said the bear went after Lowry first. That’s when Cummings rushed in and tried to pull the bear off of him. At that point, the bear started attacking Cummings.

Erickson said the attack likely happened in the late afternoon or early evening Saturday, and he received a call about it around 7:30 p.m. 

Multiple people reported on social media seeing Park County Search and Rescue and other emergency staff responding to the incident.

Erickson said all four of the college athletes had bear spray with them, but the bear attacked before the pair could deploy their bear spray.”

“We’re praying for those kids and their families and the rest of the team and their coach,” Erickson said. “They’re alive and doing well, for what happened.”

Northwest College president Lisa Watson also commented on the incident.

“I am so grateful for those who assisted these brave young men in the aftermath of this terrifying ordeal and that no lives were lost,” Watson said via CowboyStateDaily.com. “It took quick thinking and no small amount of bravery for this to have ended without tragedy.”

“In the vicinity where the attack occurred, reports from landowners and hunters indicate there may be six to 10 different bears moving between agricultural fields and low elevation slopes,” Dan Smith, Cody Region wildlife supervisor said in a statement on Monday, October 16. “Game and Fish will continue to monitor bear activity in the area and work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make management decisions in the best interest of public safety. This is a sad and unfortunate situation, we wish both victims a full and speedy recovery.”

Lowry Discusses Grizzly Bear Attack

On Monday, both wrestlers spoke about the mauling with CowboyStateDaily.com.

“If you’re seeing bear tracks, bear tracks on the ground, probably turn around and walk the other way,” Lowry said.

Lowry credited Cummings’ actions during the attack for saving his life.

“I could hear when his teeth would hit my skull,” Kendall Cummings told Cowboy State Daily on Monday. Kendall tried to physically pull a grizzly off his teammate Brady Lowry on Saturday and paid dearly for it. Lowry says his friend saved his life. https://t.co/bMYv7GUStu

— Cowboy State Daily (@daily_cowboy) October 17, 2022

“I can’t even express how grateful I am for him,” Lowry said. “I don’t know what I’m going to pay him back, I don’t. I owe him everything.”

According to the site, Cummings received 60 staples in his head and has undergone plastic surgery to fix multiple major cuts. Lowry also had major lacerations as well as suffering a broken arm.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Lowry said.

The Cedar City wrestler was reportedly slated to be released from the hospital later on Monday.

Follow @kyleireland