Antti Wainio* established a trapline a short distance from Martin, near English River (in Northwestern Ontario).  In the fall of 1924 he brought his wife Elmie to live on the line at the headquarters cabin.  On the morning of November 11 Antti set out to check his line, leaving his wife at headquarters.  He left his revolver and his large black dog with his wife for her protection.  Taking his rifle, axe and hunting knife he disappeared into the bush.  This was the last time Antti was seen alive.

 Two days passed.  Elmie was not too concerned, for the trapper had a deep love for his work, and a day or two didn't mean too much to him when he was out in the woods he loved so dearly.  During the second day, the dog became strangely agitated, whining, growling and making short runs up the trail the trapper had left on.  On the third day Elmie became seriously worried and walked eight miles to English River and sent a frantic wire for help.  A search party consisting of Robert Wainio, a brother, LORNE TREMELLS and the late George Rivord, brothers-in-law, set out immediately.

 After following Antti's trail for a distance of about seven miles, the party entered an area of heavy timber.  Lorne Tremells, who was in the lead, noticed a movement ahead, off to the side of the trail.  At a distance of about 100 feet, a large bear out onto the trail on his hind feet and stood looking at them.  Lorne carried a .30 Remington rifle.  He had only three shells for it, and these were in his jacket pocket.  As the bear advanced menacingly, Lorne rammed the three rounds into the Remington.  When the animal got within 50 feet and was still coming, Lorne fired straight at its head.  The bear's head snapped back and he stopped in his tracks.

 Then, frothing at the mouth, he charged in earnest.  Bob Wainio fired one shot from his .25 calibre rifle and the bear dropped dead.  Upon investigating the area the trio stumbled upon the mutilated body of Antti Wainio, decapitated and partially eaten.  After recovering from the shock the horrible sight gave them, the three men, who were all experienced woodsmen, read the sign around the area carefully.  After studying the tracks the three came to the conclusion that Antti was stalked and attacked from behind while setting a trap.  Antti was 30 years old, five feet eight inches tall, and weighed 185 pounds.  He was hardened and tempered from years of matching his wits and strength against the outdoors.  He put up a terrific struggle, the signs of which were plain to see.  One shell in the chamber of his rifle had been fired.  Whether or not it had struck the bear could not be determined.  He had used his knife when his rifle failed, and finally his bare hands in the life and death struggle; but all in vain.  The bear was about four years old, weighed 350 pounds and was in prime condition.
 

*Antti Wainio was the brother of Ella Wainio, wife of Lorne Tremells