Hunter Killed By Bear Falling On Him After It Was Shot Down From Tree
A hunter was killed by a bear who was shot down from a tree and fell on him.
Lester C. Harvey, of Phenix, Virginia, lost his life when a fellow hunter shot down the animal, who fell from the tree and struck the 58-year-old, who was standing approximately 10 feet away from the base.
According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the incident occurred on December 9 in Lunenburg County, between Richmond and Danville.
An obituary described Harvey as a devoted husband, father of five, and grandfather of eight who loved spending time outdoors and worked as a self-employed contractor.
It noted: “Lester was a friend to all and never met a stranger. He was an avid outdoorsman.”
The victim’s son, Josh Harvey, shared his grief on social media, posting images and videos from the hunting trip and his father’s time in the hospital.
Josh said: “He was injured extremely badly doing what he loved most along with his good friends.”
The hunting group was reportedly tracking the bear, which climbed a tree in an attempt to escape.
Following the incident, one of the hunting party members administered first aid to Harvey until emergency responders arrived, reports CBS News.
Harvey was rushed to two hospitals but succumbed to his injuries on December 13, the department reported.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources clarified that licensed hunters are permitted to harvest bears that have climbed trees, provided the act doesn’t involve harming or dislodging the bear with the intent of continuing a hunt or training dogs.
A spokesperson for the department, Shelby Crouch, stated no charges are currently being pursued in connection with the incident.
Such tragic accidents, while rare, are not unheard of.
In 2018, a hunter in Alaska sustained critical injuries when his companion shot a bear on a ridge, which then tumbled down, dislodging rocks that struck the man.
Similarly, in 2019, a North Carolina hunter was injured after a bear fell from a tree and attacked him before they both plunged off a cliff.
The hunter survived but required hospitalization, while the bear was found dead later.
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