Oklahoma Rugby Community Mourns ‘Bear’ Miller, Whose Body Was Found at the Base of a Fort Bragg Cliff

GoFundMe of Bear Miller’s family following his death in Mendocino County.

An Oklahoma family is asking for support as they grieve the loss of Bjorn “Bear” Miller, 37, of Yukon, Oklahoma, whose body was recovered from the base of a coastal cliff near Fort Bragg earlier this month.

Miller was found April 11 at the bottom of a steep cliff near the 31000 block of Bay View Avenue, about 70 feet below the clifftop along the Pacific Ocean shoreline. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office identified him earlier this week. An autopsy found the preliminary cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and trunk and submersion in ocean water. The manner of death remains under investigation.

To his family, teammates and community in Oklahoma, Bear was far more than the circumstances of his death.

“Bjorn ‘Bear’ Miller was more than a son, a brother, and a teammate — he was a protector, a healer, a leader, and a true cornerstone of his community,” his family wrote in a GoFundMe launched to help cover funeral expenses.

Known as one of the strongest props in his rugby community, Miller was remembered as someone who showed up for everyone around him — on the field and off.

“He never met a stranger, and his warmth, generosity, and unforgettable smile could light up any room,” his family wrote. “He would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation and stand beside you without question.”

His family and friend AJay Jones are asking the community and the rugby world for support as they face the financial burden of funeral costs while grieving.

Those who knew Miller remember him by a signature saying: “Props rule the world — everyone just lives here.”

To support Bear’s family, visit their GoFundMe page by clicking here.

Earlier:

• 37-Year-Old Found Deceased at Bottom of Fort Bragg Cliff
• Mendocino County Sheriff Identifies Man Who Fell from Fort Bragg Cliff