Woman Fatally Attacked by Black Bear While on Phone With Her Father
Immediate emergency response can save lives, but even fast action isn’t always enough. A tragic incident at McKie Lake, Saskatchewan, left a 44-year-old woman fatally injured after a sudden black bear attack near her family cabin.
The victim, Stephanie Blais, had been spending time at the cabin with her husband Curtis and their two children when their water pump stopped working. She called her father, Hubert Esquirol, to let him know about the issue.
During the call, Stephanie asked her nine-year-old son, Elie, to go inside and retrieve the antenna for the satellite phone to improve the connection. Just seconds later, Esquirol heard a strange gurgling noise on the line. When he could no longer get a response, he tried calling back several times.
Seven minutes later, Stephanie’s husband called to report what had happened: a bear had attacked her outside the cabin. Curtis pepper-sprayed the bear and fired two shots before reaching Stephanie and performing CPR. Tragically, she no longer had a pulse.
A Rare and Devastating Event
This is Saskatchewan’s first fatal bear attack since 1983.
After the incident, a nearby seaplane operator helped retrieve Stephanie’s body from McKie Lake and transport her back to Buffalo Narrows.
Stephanie leaves behind two young children—Elie (9) and Uma (2). Her father says Elie has family support, and while Uma is aware that a bear attacked her mother, it is unclear how much she understands.
Remembering Stephanie Blais
Stephanie was described by her father as independent from a young age, recalling her early words: “I do it by myself.” She was well educated, with degrees in human justice and a master’s degree in elementary education. She had taught abroad, worked with the United Nations Human Rights Commission, travelled to over 37 countries, and spent months volunteering in Guatemala.
Her family has endured significant loss before—Stephanie’s mother died of breast cancer in 2008, and her older sister Natalie died in a car accident in 1991.
The community has rallied around the family, and an online memorial fund has been created in Stephanie’s honour.
Why First Aid and CPR Training Matters
In emergencies—whether sudden injuries, wildlife encounters, or medical crises—immediate, confident action can make a critical difference. Knowing how to provide CPR, treat injuries, and respond effectively until help arrives is an essential skill for everyone.
Become prepared by taking certified training through First Aid Calgary:
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