Richmond, Va. — A Virginia man tragically lost his life earlier this month after a bear, which had been shot by hunters, fell from a tree and struck him. The incident occurred on Monday, December 9, in Lunenburg County, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR).
The DWR reported that at around 9:50 a.m., a group of hunters was tracking a bear that had climbed a tree. One of the hunters in the group fired a shot at the bear, and as it fell from the tree, it hit 58-year-old Lester C. Harvey, who was standing approximately 10 feet away from the base of the tree. Harvey was knocked to the ground by the impact.
Despite the sudden and tragic nature of the accident, a member of the hunting party immediately administered first aid to Harvey. Emergency responders arrived shortly afterward, and Harvey was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to VCU Medical Center for further treatment. Unfortunately, on Friday, December 13, Harvey succumbed to his injuries.
The DWR has stated that they are not seeking any charges in connection with the incident, describing it as a hunting accident. The group of hunters involved was reportedly following standard protocol in tracking the bear, but the fall was an unexpected and devastating turn of events.
Harvey, a resident of Phenix in Charlotte County, was remembered by his family and community as an avid outdoorsman and a “friend to all.” His obituary highlighted his love for nature and the outdoors, as well as his strong family ties. Harvey is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held for Harvey on Thursday, December 19, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Phenix, where friends and family will gather to honor his life and legacy.
