In a tragic incident in El Dorado County, two brothers were attacked by a mountain lion, resulting in the death of one and severe injuries to the other. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office identified the victims as Taylen Robert Claude Brooks, 21, who succumbed to the attack, and his 18-year-old brother, Wyatt Brooks, who is currently recovering after undergoing multiple surgeries.

The attack took place near the Georgetown area, where the brothers had been engaging in antler shed hunting on Saturday afternoon. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) swiftly authorized a professional trapper to locate and euthanize the mountain lion responsible. The trapper successfully took down a male mountain lion weighing around 90 pounds, which appeared to be in good condition.

The family of the victims, speaking through a statement provided by the sheriff's office, expressed their devastation over the loss of Taylen and their relief that Wyatt survived the encounter. They described Taylen as an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed activities such as fishing and playing the guitar. On the other hand, Wyatt has been pursuing his dream of working for Cal Fire, as he has been enrolled in the Mt. Adams Fire Academy since last September.

Authorities have sent the body of the mountain lion to CDFW's Wildlife Forensics Laboratory for testing. DNA samples collected from the scene matched those taken from the lion carcass, confirming that it was indeed the same animal responsible for the attack. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

This incident, the first deadly mountain lion attack in Northern California since 1994, serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife. As communities mourn the loss of Taylen and support Wyatt in his recovery, it is crucial to remain vigilant and respect the wild animals that inhabit these areas.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and CDFW are working together to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further incidents of this nature. It is imperative to follow guidelines and regulations in outdoor activities, especially when venturing into areas inhabited by wildlife.

Our hearts go out to the Brooks family during this difficult time, and we join the community in offering our condolences for the loss of Taylen.