Newton County authorities have confirmed that a 60-year-old Springfield, Missouri man was killed in a bear attack earlier this week at Sam’s Throne Campground, a popular outdoor destination near Mount Judea. The victim has been identified as Max Thomas, who had been camping in the area at the time of the tragic incident.
According to Sheriff Glenn Wheeler, Thomas had been in regular contact with his family while camping, but communication suddenly stopped, raising concern among loved ones. A welfare check was requested, leading deputies to the campground. Upon arrival, they discovered Thomas’s body several yards away from his campsite, where signs of a bear encounter were evident.
“This is a heartbreaking situation,” Sheriff Wheeler said in a public statement. “Max was a husband and a father, deeply loved by his family. He was enjoying a beautiful part of the world when tragedy struck.” Wheeler confirmed that the bear responsible for the attack was located and euthanized shortly after the discovery, citing the immediate threat to human life.
While some have expressed sadness over the bear’s death, Sheriff Wheeler emphasized that public safety must come first. “Bears that attack people are a continued danger,” he stated. “Max Thomas had a family, a soul, and people who cared about him. I’m grateful his loved ones have some resolution and that the public is safer today.”
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is assisting in the ongoing investigation, including determining what may have triggered the bear’s aggression. Experts note that fatal bear attacks in Arkansas are extremely rare, though bears are known to inhabit remote regions of the Ozark National Forest. Officials have reminded campers to follow safety guidelines, such as securing food and waste, to avoid attracting wildlife.
Max Thomas’s death has deeply affected both his family and the local community. Friends describe him as an outdoorsman who loved exploring nature’s beauty. As investigators continue to gather details, local authorities are urging visitors to exercise heightened caution when camping in bear country. The tragic loss serves as a somber reminder that even familiar and scenic places can hold unpredictable dangers.