A hunter in Virginia died after a bear in a tree was shot, fell on him: authorities

A tragic incident occurred in Lunenburg County, Virginia, on Dec. 9, when a hunting expedition took a deadly turn. A group of hunters was tracking a bear when it climbed up a tree. As they began to retreat, one of the hunters fired a shot at the bear, causing it to fall from the tree and onto another hunter standing nearby.

The victim, identified as Lester C. Harvey, 58, from Phenix, Virginia, suffered critical injuries in the accident. Despite receiving first aid from one of the group members and being rushed to two different hospitals, Harvey tragically succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

Harvey, a self-employed contractor and passionate outdoorsman, leaves behind a wife, five children, and eight grandchildren. The loss of such a beloved member of the community has deeply saddened his family and friends.

This unfortunate incident is not the first of its kind in the United States. In 2018, a man in Alaska was critically injured when a bear fell on him after being shot by his hunting partner. The impact of the bear caused rocks to dislodge and strike the man, resulting in severe injuries.

Similarly, in North Carolina the following year, another man was injured in a hunting accident involving a bear. After being shot while perched in a tree, the bear fell and attacked the man before both tumbled off a cliff. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment, while the bear was later found deceased.

These incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers and risks involved in hunting expeditions, particularly when dealing with large and unpredictable wild animals. It is crucial for hunters to exercise caution and follow safety protocols to prevent such tragic accidents from occurring in the future.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Lester C. Harvey during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing and a reminder of the importance of safety in outdoor activities.