Canadian Biathlete Killed in Apparent Bear Attack
WebPosted
July 4, 2000
CBC SPORTS ONLINE - A national biathlon team member died while training Sunday, apparently the victim of a bear attack.
Canadian biathlete Mary-Beth Miller is dead after an apparent black bear attack while training near Val Cartier.
Members of the team identified the athlete as 24-year-old Mary-Beth Miller of Yellowknife, N.W.T.
Police were alerted after she failed to return from training near a military base in Val Cartier, northwest of Quebec City.
“She was full of vitality,” said her mother, Mary Carol Miller from Yellowknife. “She was the biggest encourager. There are going to be people all over this country who have bumped into her at races and different things, who she’s encouraged.”
“She was the most precious thing in our lives and we’re having a heck of a time here,” she continued. “She taught us all to live each day, each moment.”
The biathlete had arrived in Quebec last week for a summer of training at the Miriam Bedard Centre.
“At first sight, it seems she was attacked by a bear,” Capt. Johanne Bournival of CFB Valcartier said.
Authorities say there were bear bite marks on her neck and bear tracks were spotted near Miller’s body.
An autopsy was to be performed Monday.
“The autopsy will confirm whether the bear was the exact cause of death or whether she had a heart attack or something before and the animal found her injured,” said Sarah Coup-Fabiano of the Haute-St-Charles police department.
“It’s just a hypothesis, but it’s our belief that the bear was responsible.”
She added that two cyclists were attacked by a black bear on the same path only two weeks ago.
Wildlife officials have placed traps around the area in an effort to catch the bear.
The area includes 115 kilometers of running and cycling trails.
“Yes, it’s dangerous,” Bedard said. “But, on the other hand, it’s the beauty of the sport to be in the forest.”
Miller, who started her run at 9 a.m., was reported missing by her trainer at 11.
The previous news item is also available from the ABC News website, titled:
Canadian Athlete Killed in Apparent Mauling
ABC News and Associated Press
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