Bear kills 67-year-old man in his home in New Mexico
In the community of Crystal on the Navajo Reservation in the U.S. state of New Mexico, a bear killed 67-year-old Benjamin Galona in his home on August 20. A Navajo Police statement said the animal fled to a nearby forest, after which it was shot by a law enforcement officer.
As The Guardian reports, the man's relatives shared details of the incident. According to them, Galona stayed at home when his stepson Casey went to the post office. Upon returning, Casey saw an ajar door and a bear inside the home.
Stepson called for help
Casey locked himself in his room, barricaded the door with furniture, hid in a small space in a closet, and called emergency services. He also contacted the deceased man's sister, Gloria Galona, and her daughter, Samantha Vandever.
The women arrived at the house and saw the bear outside. According to Samantha Vandever, she honked the car horn, after which the animal ran away. When they entered the home, they found that Benjamin Galona had died.
Relatives believe the man may have opened the door after hearing some sound near the entrance and thinking that his stepson had returned. They link this assumption to the fact that Galona's walker remained untouched in his room. After a severe seizure that significantly limited his mobility, he used a walker and a wheelchair.
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Family remembers his work and passions
The deceased man's sister called Benjamin Galona a strong person and said that he was happy despite his modest living conditions. Relatives decided to remember him as a firefighter who put out wildfires on the reservation, as well as a seller of tamales, which are popular among local residents. Those close to him called him Ponjo, Mountain Man, and Tamale Man.
Galona was also a fan of country singer Waylon Jennings. According to Gloria Galona, her brother met the musician during a fair on Navajo land and performed the song Love of the Common People with him.
Eight days before the man's death, New Mexico authorities warned of an increase in conflicts between people and bears in the state amid severe drought. Residents were urged not to leave garbage, fallen fruit, or rotting fruit outside, as these may attract animals.
Benjamin Galona is survived by two siblings, four children, five stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were held on August 29.
