Family remembers New Mexico bear attack victim for service and tamales

Benjamin Halona’s relatives say they want his life to be remembered for far more than the unusual circumstances of his death. Halona, 67, was killed by a bear inside his home in Crystal, a community in the Navajo Nation, on 20 August. His sister, Gloria Halona, and niece Samantha Vandever told The Guardian that he had recently been coping with serious health problems and reduced mobility after a seizure. He had also become a widower in February. According to the family’s account, Halona was home while his stepson, Casey, went to the post office. Casey heard the front door lock, but found it open when he returned. He said a bear was inside the house. Casey took shelter in a bedroom closet crawlspace, blocked the door with furniture and called for emergency assistance. Gloria and Vandever said they drove to the home after Casey contacted them. They saw the bear outside, and the animal ran away after Vandever honked the vehicle’s horn. A police officer then shot it, according to the relatives. When they entered the house, they found Halona dead. They said his walker was still in his room, leading them to wonder whether he may have opened the door after hearing activity outside and thinking his stepson was trying to enter. That possibility was not confirmed by authorities. The Navajo Nation police department said in a statement issued on the day of the attack that a bear had killed a man in Crystal, fled into nearby woods and was killed by police. A department spokesperson later declined to provide further details. Family members described Halona as a proud former wildland firefighter who sold tamales that were popular locally. Friends and relatives also called him Ponjo, Mountain Man and Tamale Man. He was an enthusiastic fan of country singer Waylon Jennings, whom he met during a 2002 visit to the Navajo Nation. Gloria said Jennings sang with Halona and told him he sounded better than Willie Nelson. The death prompted a strong local response. Bears are regarded as sacred by the Navajo people, and the family said the community was mourning both Halona and the animal. The Guardian reported that the attack may have been New Mexico’s first fatal bear mauling since 2001. Wildlife officials had warned days earlier of increased bear-human conflicts across the state amid severe drought and urged residents not to leave garbage or fallen fruit outdoors. Halona’s survivors include two siblings, four children, five stepchildren, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Family members said memorials and his 29 August funeral drew strong attendance.