FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ark. — The family of a man that was attacked by a black bear in Franklin County says his injuries are "ultimately not survivable."

Vernon Patton, who is in his 70s, was reportedly working on a tractor on the side of the road when he was attacked by the bear on Sept. 3. The incident occurred on Mulberry Mountain Lodge property near Highway 23.

He was airlifted to a hospital with severe injuries on the day of the attack. He is currently in the ICU.

The family provided the following statement to 5NEWS on Sept. 9:

"Our beloved father, grandfather, husband and hero, Vernon Patton, was seriously injured in a bear attack while he was doing what he loved, working on his land with his family. Vernon is currently being cared for in the ICU in Little Rock. While he remains in sta

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