Ask a familiar spirit "Are you Cros Treewind"?
It responds
A familiar spirit lifts his eyes to the sky revealing wounds on the ethereal figure's neck that would explain his death. His voice is strained, 'I do suggest that you heed the wishes of Tunare and leave the bears of Surefall Glade undisturbed, you will live longer...'
Really wish I had his staff from the event when he died years ago.