Family of Kenai woman attacked by bear speaks out

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The family of Ariean Fabrizio Colton, the Kenai woman attacked by a bear on Aug. 26, has released a statement following the attack and coverage of it.

The statement, signed by her sister in-law Aimee Colton, says Ariean sustained serious injuries from the attack but is receiving good medical care and showing “remarkable strength.”

“We are very grateful for the outpouring of support since Ariean’s attack,” the statement reads. “We ask for privacy and compassion as she begins a long road to recovery and we urge kindness in how her story is shared online.”

The family’s statement also thanks the first responders and medical teams who helped Colton after the attack. It states the best way to help her at this time would be to support or share her GoFundMe, which has raised over $88,000 as of Tuesday.

The attack took place sometime from 5–5:30 a.m. near her home on Chinook Drive on Aug. 26. Alaska Wildlife Troopers believe the bear emerged from another property and dragged her approximately 100 yards down the road to another property.

Colton suffered substantial wounds to her face and scalp but was conscious and was medevacked to an Anchorage hospital for treatment.

The bear was believed to be a brown bear. Despite intervention from the Wildlife Troopers, Department of Fish and Game and Kenai Police, it has not been found as of Sept. 2.

“The reality is that this could have happened to anyone,” the statement said. “Ariean simply stepped outside for a morning jog on a residential street—an ordinary moment, like grabbing the mail or taking the trash out before starting the day.”

Editor’s note: Alaska’s News Source makes no representations or warranties of any kind about the authenticity, accuracy, or reliability of any GoFundMe campaign. Any donations you make to such campaigns are strictly at your own risk. If you have any questions related to the authenticity, accuracy, or reliability of a GoFundMe campaign, please contact GoFundMe directly or consult the GoFundMe Guarantee Policy.

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