GEORGETOWN, Calif. (NEWSnet/AP) — Authorities have identified the brothers who were attacked by a mountain lion in Northern California.

Taylen Robert Claude Brooks, 21, was killed March 23 in a remote area northeast of Sacramento. His 18-year-old brother, Wyatt Jay Charles Brooks, survived, and is expected to recover from multiple injuries.

“We are all devastated by the tragic loss of Taylen yet thankful Wyatt is still with us and are well-aware the outcome could have been even worse,” their family said. “These two young men being as close as any two brothers could be, lived a full energetic life enjoying the outdoors.”

The Mount Aukum brothers were hunting for shed antlers near Georgetown, about 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. They had hunted and fished together almost daily.

California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife said its wardens found the cougar and euthanized it.

It was the state's first fatal attack by a mountain lion since 2004 in Orange County, according to a verified list kept by the agency.

Taylen Brooks worked with his father, Aaron, painting houses and cutting firewood. A guitar player, he also enjoyed fishing and was remembered as a “very kind and gentle soul.”

Wyatt Brooks has been in a fire academy since September, hoping to be hired by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

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