Family of man attacked by bear says injuries “ultimately not survivable”
By Patrick Clark
Click here for updates on this story
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — The family of a Franklin County man who was attacked by a bear said in a statement “his injuries are extensive and ultimately not survivable.” That’s according to a statement from the family of Vernon Patton.
On Wednesday, Patton, 72, was spreading gravel with his tractor when a 70-pound juvenile black bear attacked him.
Patton was first sent to the Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville before he was moved to UAMS.
The bear that attacked an Arkansas man has tested negative for both rabies and distemper, according to Keith Stephens, spokesperson for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Family’s statement “Our beloved father, grandfather, husband and hero, Vernon Patton, was seriously injured in a bear attack while he was doing what he loved, working on his land with his family. Vernon is currently being cared for in the ICU in Little Rock. While he remains in stable condition, his injuries are extensive and ultimately not survivable.
This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for our family, and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we have received. We ask that people show compassion and consideration as we focus on being together as a family for as long as we still can.
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical teams who are providing exceptional care and to everyone who has offered their prayers and kindness.
At this time, we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.”
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.