In an extraordinary tale of courage and friendship, a college wrestler risked his life to save his teammate from a grizzly bear attack in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest. The harrowing encounter, which could have ended tragically, highlighted the unbreakable bond shared by these young athletes.
A Routine Adventure Turns Life-Threatening
Brady Lowry of Cedar City, Utah, and Kendell Cummings of Evanston, Wyoming, were exploring the forest with two other friends, searching for antlers—a hobby that combines adventure and potential profit. Their day took a horrifying turn when Lowry was attacked by a grizzly bear, sustaining a broken arm and deep puncture wounds.
As the bear savagely mauled Lowry, Cummings made a split-second decision that would define his bravery. He charged the bear, yelling, kicking, and pulling at its fur to divert the animal’s attention.
“I didn’t want to lose my friend,” Cummings later recalled. “It was bad. There was a big ol’ bear on top of him. I could have run and potentially lost a friend or get him off and save him.”
A Fight for Survival
Cummings’ courageous intervention redirected the bear’s fury toward him. The grizzly attacked Cummings twice, biting his head and face before leaving the scene. Despite severe injuries, Cummings managed to call out for Lowry, ensuring his teammate was alive.
Lowry, who could still walk despite his injuries, sought help by contacting 911. The other two friends, August Harrison and Orrin Jackson, carried Cummings to safety.
Medical Response and Recovery
Cummings underwent surgery at Billings Clinic Hospital, where surgeons reconstructed his face and head. Lowry, initially treated in Powell, Wyoming, later joined his teammate in Billings. Throughout their recovery, they were supported by their coach and teammates from Northwest College’s wrestling team.
Coach Jim Zeigler expressed immense pride in his wrestlers, stating, “I’m proud of them—the way they love each other, the way they protected each other. They just did what they did, helped each other survive, and they lived to tell about it.”
Rare but Dangerous Grizzly Bear Attacks
Grizzly bear attacks are rare, with a risk rate of approximately 1 in 2.7 million. Wyoming wildlife officials noted that the attack was a defensive reaction from the bear and, as such, there were no plans to relocate or harm the animal.
A Lifelong Bond Forged in Adversity
Lowry and Cummings have since returned to wrestling, their bond stronger than ever. Lowry described the experience as life-changing, saying, “Me and Cummings would both be dead if it wasn’t for all four of us. It was a team effort. We love each other. We’re going to be best friends for the rest of our lives because of this.”
This incredible story of survival and friendship serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and selflessness that can emerge in the face of danger. For these college wrestlers, their shared ordeal has transformed them into lifelong brothers, proving that even in the darkest moments, the light of camaraderie shines through.
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