Virginia hunter dies after bear shot from tree falls on him
Virginia, Black Bear In Tree. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
What we know
Lester Clayton Harvey, Jr., 58, of Phenix, Va. Photo via Henderson Funeral Home.
LUNENBURG COUNTY, Va. - A Virginia man died after a bear, shot by one of his hunting partners, fell from a tree and struck him, state wildlife officials said.
The tragic incident occurred Dec. 9 in Lunenburg County, located between Richmond and Danville, according to a statement from Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources.
Officials said a hunting group had been tracking the bear when it climbed a tree. As the group retreated, one hunter fired a shot, causing the bear to fall and land on Lester C. Harvey, 58, of Phenix, Virginia, who was standing about 10 feet from the base of the tree.
A member of the group provided first aid at the scene before Harvey was transported to two different hospitals. Despite the efforts to save him, Harvey succumbed to his injuries four days later on Friday, the department said.
Harvey, a self-employed contractor and passionate outdoorsman, is remembered as a devoted family man.
He leaves behind his wife, five children, and eight grandchildren, according to his obituary.
The Source: This article is based on reporting from The Associated Press.