Teenage Boy Saves Father’s Life During Bear Attack
In a harrowing incident in the forests outside Ljusdal, Sweden, 14-year-old Evert Sundström demonstrated bravery and quick thinking as he saved his father’s life during a bear attack. Evert and his father, Pär Sundström, had been on a bear hunt when the terrifying encounter occurred.
The duo had been tracking a bear through the use of tracking equipment attached to their dogs. However, the information provided by the equipment was often delayed or inaccurate. As they were making their way through the forest, Pär and Evert suddenly found themselves face-to-face with the bear.
Pär initially hesitated to take a shot at the bear due to a dog in the way, hoping for another opportunity. But before he could react, the female bear charged and attacked Pär, biting his cheek. Pär attempted to push the bear away and shoot, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
It was at this critical moment that Evert, who practices karate, sprang into action. With incredible bravery, he delivered a powerful blow to the bear’s head with his clenched fist. Although Evert couldn’t recall the exact events that followed, his father witnessed the struggle between his son and the bear. Despite sustaining severe facial injuries and having part of his face torn off, Pär managed to retrieve his weapon.
Understanding the urgency of the situation, Pär carefully aimed his shot to avoid hitting Evert and fired, causing blood to scatter everywhere. The shots ultimately deterred the bear, allowing Evert to break free. Realizing the severity of their injuries, Evert called emergency services while Pär initially suggested contacting a family friend to drive them to the hospital.
However, Evert stood his ground and dialed emergency services. An ambulance quickly arrived, but it was soon determined that Pär’s injuries were more critical than anticipated. He was then flown by ambulance helicopter to Östersund, but due to a complication, Pär was redirected to the University Hospital in Uppsala. After undergoing a grueling 13-hour surgical procedure, attempts to reattach the bitten-off part of Pär’s face were ultimately unsuccessful.
Currently, Pär is undergoing a series of operations at the plastic surgery department of the University Hospital in Uppsala to reconstruct his face using tissue from his thigh. Although the road to recovery is long, Pär expresses gratitude for his son’s swift actions, stating that Evert is a hero who saved his life.
The Sundström family’s incredible ordeal serves as a reminder of the dangers hunters can face in the wilderness, but also highlights the bravery and resilience present in the face of adversity. The Swedish community extends its support and wishes for a successful recovery for Pär Sundström.