Woman, 39, eaten alive by bear in Colorado is identified as partner pays tribute
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The heartbroken partner of a woman killed by a bear has paid tribute to his “lifelong adventurer” partner following her remains being discovered last week.
She was identified by her boyfriend after her remains were found on Friday night 350 miles southwest of Denver in the town of Durango.
The autopsy revealed she died of “penetrating injuries to the neck” including multiple bite wounds, La Plata County Coroner Jann Smith reported.
Her boyfriend described her as “my northern star and the love of my life.”
He continued, “Laney spent her life in the outdoors and was an experienced and knowledgeable operator in the back country.
“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 the facts.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the organizations involved in the investigation of Laney’s death and her recovery.”
Previously, wildlife investigators reported detecting bear dander and feces at the scene, along with hints of the body being eaten, causing them to suspect a bear attack.
Specialist wildlife dogs found a 10-year-old bear with two cubs, and the three were put down, according to the statement.
Examination of their corpses at a state-funded wildlife laboratory showed that human remains were present in the digestive systems of all three bears.
The state of Colorado is the home of 19,000 black bears. Deadly attacks on humans are incredibly rare as only four have been recorded since 1960.