Current:Home > ScamsAuthorities ID brothers attacked, 1 fatally, by a mountain lion in California -Secure Growth Solutions
Authorities ID brothers attacked, 1 fatally, by a mountain lion in California
View
Date:2025-04-14 14:34:57
GEORGETOWN, Calif. (AP) — Authorities have identified the brothers who were attacked, one fatally, by a mountain lion in Northern California during the weekend.
Taylen Robert Claude Brooks, 21, was killed in a remote area northeast of Sacramento on Saturday in the first fatal encounter with a cougar in the state in two decades. His 18-year-old brother, Wyatt Jay Charles Brooks, survived and is expected to recover after multiple surgeries.
“We are all devastated by the tragic loss of Taylen yet thankful Wyatt is still with us and are well-aware the outcome could have been even worse,” their family said in a statement released Monday. “These two young men being as close as any two brothers could be, lived a full energetic life enjoying the outdoors.”
The Mount Aukum brothers were hunting for shed antlers near Georgetown, a small, historic town about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of the state capital. They had hunted and fished together almost daily.
California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife said its wardens found the cougar and euthanized it. Mountain lions have attacked humans previously, but the last fatal encounter was in 2004 in Orange County, according to a verified list kept by the agency.
Taylen Brooks worked with his father, Aaron, painting houses and cutting firewood. A talented guitar player, he also enjoyed fishing and was remembered as a “very kind and gentle soul.”
Wyatt Brooks has been in a fire academy since September, hoping ultimately to be hired by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. His family described him as an avid baseball player and a bow-hunting enthusiast.
“A brother is a friend given by nature,” the family wrote in their statement. “These two brothers were driven by nature.”
veryGood! (6)
Related
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Why TikToker Jools Lebron Is Gagged by Jennifer Lopez Embracing Demure Trend
- Rate cuts on horizon: Jerome Powell says 'time has come' to lower interest rates
- Judge reduces charges against former cops in Louisville raid that killed Breonna Taylor
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Tony Vitello lands record contract after leading Tennessee baseball to national title
- How Usher prepares to perform: Workout routine, rehearsals and fasting on Wednesdays
- Vermont medical marijuana user fired after drug test loses appeal over unemployment benefits
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Takeaways from AP’s report on federal policies shielding information about potential dam failures
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- A girl sleeping in her bed is fatally struck when shots are fired at 3 homes in Ohio
- A girl sleeping in her bed is fatally struck when shots are fired at 3 homes in Ohio
- Competing measures to expand or limit abortion rights will appear on Nebraska’s November ballot
- RFK Jr. closer to getting on New Jersey ballot after judge rules he didn’t violate ‘sore loser’ law
- Boy, 8, found dead in pond near his family's North Carolina home: 'We brought closure'
- Expert defends security guards in death of man at Detroit-area mall a decade ago
- NFL suspends Rams' Alaric Jackson, Cardinals' Zay Jones for violating conduct policy
Recommendation
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Prominent civil rights lawyer represents slain US airman’s family. A look at Ben Crump’s past cases
Daniel Suarez's car catches fire during NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona
How Usher prepares to perform: Workout routine, rehearsals and fasting on Wednesdays
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Conflicting federal policies may cost residents more on flood insurance, and leave them at risk
Rumer Willis Shares Update on Dad Bruce Willis Amid Health Battle
Texas chief who called Uvalde response ‘abject failure’ but defended his state police is retiring