Maybe he was out-drawn, bears are deceptively fast. Claws vs. trigger finger, maybe claws just won.
My condolences to the deceased's family.
Ever gut and quarter an elk? You got a knife in your hand the guy you’re with holding a leg. Then suddenly a bear and her cub are arguing with you about “who’s meat”. Drop a knife draw a pistol and fight it out. What a total laugh and bs. You’re probably out hunting the “turdy point buck”.