A tragic accident in Virginia claimed the life of a hunter when a bear, shot by a fellow hunter, fell from a tree and fatally struck him.
The victim, 58-year-old Lester C. Harvey of Phenix, Virginia, was part of a hunting group on December 9 in Lunenburg County, located between Richmond and Danville. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Harvey was standing roughly 10 feet from the tree’s base when the bear, shot by another member of the group, fell and struck him.
Remembering Lester C. Harvey
Harvey, a self-employed contractor, was described as a loving husband, father of five, and grandfather of eight. His obituary highlighted his passion for the outdoors and his kindhearted nature.
“Lester was a friend to all and never met a stranger,” it read. “He was an avid outdoorsman.”
Harvey’s son, Josh Harvey, expressed his grief on social media, sharing photos and videos from the ill-fated hunting trip and his father’s time in the hospital.
Josh wrote: “He was injured extremely badly doing what he loved most along with his good friends.”
Details of the Incident
The hunting party had been tracking a bear that climbed a tree in an attempt to escape. After the animal was shot, it fell from the tree and struck Harvey.
One of the hunters administered first aid at the scene until emergency responders arrived. Harvey was rushed to two hospitals but succumbed to his injuries on December 13.
Legal Context and Department Statement
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources explained that licensed hunters are permitted to harvest bears that climb trees, provided the animal is not harmed or dislodged to continue the hunt or train dogs.
A department spokesperson, Shelby Crouch, confirmed that no charges are currently being pursued in connection with the accident.
Similar Incidents
While rare, such accidents are not without precedent.
In 2018, a hunter in Alaska suffered critical injuries after a bear, shot by his companion on a ridge, tumbled down and dislodged rocks that struck him.
A year later, in 2019, a North Carolina hunter was injured when a bear fell from a tree and attacked him. Both the hunter and the bear fell off a cliff during the struggle. The hunter survived but required hospitalization, while the bear was found dead later.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Harvey’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of hunting and the unpredictability of such situations. His family, friends, and community continue to mourn the loss of a man remembered for his love of nature and his generous spirit.