In a tragic and unusual hunting accident, a Virginia hunter lost his life after a bear he shot fell from a tree and landed on him. Lester C. Harvey Jr., a 58-year-old father of five from Phenix, Virginia, was on a bear-hunting trip with friends when the incident occurred. Despite initial survival and medical care, Harvey succumbed to his injuries a few days later. The heartbreaking event has left his family mourning and sparked varied reactions online.
A Day in the Woods Turns Fatal
The hunting trip began like any other for Harvey, an experienced outdoorsman. Along with a group of friends, he was pursuing a black bear in the Virginia wilderness. The hunters eventually cornered the bear in a tree, a scenario that might have seemed routine to them. However, as the group prepared to bring the hunt to an end, events took a deadly turn.
The Bear’s Fatal Fall
According to an investigation by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the hunters stepped back after chasing the bear up the tree. From approximately 10 feet away, they shot the bear, assuming the distance was safe. Tragically, when the bear fell, it landed directly on Harvey. Despite immediate first aid efforts from his fellow hunters and emergency responders, the injuries proved too severe.
A Life Cut Short
Harvey’s obituary paints a picture of a man deeply loved by his family and community. He was a self-employed contractor known for his generosity and love of the outdoors. “He never met a stranger,” the obituary reads. Harvey leaves behind a wife, three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren, all now grappling with an unimaginable loss.
Family Reflects on Tragic Loss
Harvey’s children took to social media to express their grief and honor their father’s memory. One of his sons, who was with him during the accident, shared, “Dad was doing what he loved most, bear hunting with me and some of his good friends when he was injured.” Another family member described Harvey as the hardest worker they knew, writing, “The only time he missed work was to hunt. I’m broken in ways I didn’t even know I could break. Please pray for us.”
An Unlikely Accident
Hunting accidents are not uncommon, but fatalities caused by falling animals are exceedingly rare. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources confirmed they are not pursuing any charges related to the incident. A spokesperson noted that the accident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable dangers involved in hunting, even for seasoned participants.