The grieving partner of a woman whose remains were found inside the stomachs of bears has paid a loving tribute to the love of his life.
The remains of 39-year-old Laney Malavolta were discovered by her boyfriend near the town of Durango, 350 miles southwest of Denver, Colorado.
An autopsy found that the woman died of ‘penetrating injuries to the neck,’ including multiple bite wounds.
Malavolta’s boyfriend has paid a heartfelt tribute to ‘my northern star and the love of my life.’
“Laney spent her life in the outdoors and was an experienced and knowledgeable operator in the back country,” he said.
“Her greatest joy was to be in the woods with our friends, our family and our dogs.
“While Laney’s physical presence was suddenly taken from this earth, all that know and love her can take comfort; Laney’s soul will live forever in her favourite place, doing her favourite thing.”
“She would not have wanted it any other way. While this tragedy has shaken me and our family to the core, our burden is eased as we consider these facts,” he continued.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the organizations involved in the investigation of Laney’s death and her recovery.”
Wildlife investigators said they had detected bear feces and fur at the scene along with signs of consumption on the body.
Investigators located a 10-year-old female bear and her two cubs, and examination of their carcasses revealed human remains in their digestive tracts.
All three bears were euthanized.
CPW Southwest Region manager Cory Chick said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the boyfriend, family and friends of the woman we lost in this tragic event.
“We cannot determine with exact certainty how or why this attack took place, but it is important for the public not to cast blame on this woman for the unfortunate and tragic event.”
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