MILE CREEK, Montana: A Montana hiker reported missing earlier this week was found dead following a suspected attack by a grizzly bear.

In an interview with CNN, Sheriff Brad Bichler of the Park County Sheriff’s Office said Craig Clouatre, 40, and a friend were hiking on March 23 in the Six Mile Creek area, some 20 to 25 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, before they became separated.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this update. After an extensive search this morning we have located Craig. It appears he had an encounter with a grizzly and unfortunately did not survive,” Bichler said in a Facebook post.

Bichler added that the pair were supposed to meet, but Clouatre “did not show up..”

He also told CNN, “We do not typically put people into the mountains in the dark on an initial look..We flew thermal imaging overnight until about 11 o’clock, and then started back up this morning right after first light.”

The post added that Clouatre’s body was discovered by officials on March 25.

Bichler noted that bear attacks have previously occurred in the area, but were not usually fatal.

On Facebook, Bichler asked local residents to “please keep his family and all those involved in your thoughts and prayers.”