Additional Coverage:
A tragic and unprovoked black bear attack claimed the life of 36-year-old Lorna Weafer, an Ireland-born instrument technician working for energy company Suncor in Alberta, Canada. The incident occurred on May 7, 2014, at an oil sands facility north of Fort McMurray.
Lorna, who had moved to Canada with her family as a child, was out in the field with six coworkers when the attack took place. Despite a briefing on bear safety-an important precaution in a region known for its black bear population-none of the workers carried bear spray.
The attack began when Lorna stepped away to use a portable restroom. A “very determined” black bear, concealed in nearby trees, charged at her from behind, catching everyone off guard.
The bear pinned her to the ground, prompting nearby colleagues to respond with fire extinguishers, a water cannon, and an air horn in an attempt to scare it off. Unfortunately, the bear was undeterred and the attack continued for about an hour until the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived and shot the animal.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife investigator Mike Ewald confirmed the bear responsible was the one killed by authorities. His investigation suggested the attack was predatory, a rare occurrence in the province.
Lorna’s family described her as a warm, conscientious individual with a passion for helping others and a love for photography and art. They shared her aspirations to return to school to become a psychologist and praised her dedication to volunteering, including work as a Big Sister.
The Weafer family, who settled in Fort McMurray in 1981, expressed gratitude toward Lorna’s coworkers for their efforts to save her and asked that her life and spirit be remembered beyond the circumstances of her death.
This tragic event marked Alberta’s first fatal black bear attack since 1991, underscoring the rarity but seriousness of such incidents in the region.