DENVER -- A 92-year-old man who was attacked by a bull moose while walking to church in a small mountain town was transferred to a hospice Thursday.

The family of Louis Heckert issued a statement that said that they have asked that his medical treatment be discontinued.

Authorities said the adult moose attacked Heckert on Sunday in Grand Lake, a resort village of about 500 year-round residents 50 miles northwest of Denver on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Heckert had been undergoing treatment at St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver, where he was initially listed in critical condition.

Heckert's family statement said in part:

"His medical condition, due to his injuries, has resulted in our decision to honor his wishes and medical directives and discontinue medical treatment. He will be transferred to hospice care. We are very appreciative of all the prayers, well wishes and concern we have received."

Heckert is a former mayor of Grand Lake and had just celebrated his birthday on Saturday.

Witnesses said Heckert was just walking when the moose head-butted him after knocking him to the ground.

The moose was shot and killed by a state Division of Wildlife officer. It was not known why the moose attacked Heckert. However, the moose had serious injuries from some previous accident, which could have contributed to his behavior, officials said.

The moose had five broken ribs on his right side -- one which punctured its chest cavity -- and several separated vertebrae.