Black bears don't attack people.

Colorado a couple of years ago. Kid sleeping in his tent, black bear goes in grabs the kid by the head and is dragging him across the campground when other campers awaken and scare the bear off.....

In fact, a black bear is more likely to kill and eat you than a grizzly bear. Grizzlies usually neutralize you then leave the scene, unless you came upon them near their food. And since there are more black bears than griz, the odds are that a black bear is far more likely to attack and kill you for food.

I live very near this park, where my daughter has hiked hundreds of times, and I can assure you that a black bear will most definitely attack a human.

My goodness, this is terrible news. Had no one reported a missing relative of friend?

Maybe I can check into this and get more information.

My daughter was educated by park rangers and fellow hikers how best to avoid a bear confrontation. I was always a bit concerned whenever she went on hikes to Mount Le Conte.

My condolences to this person's family and friends.