A hunter has died after participating in a group that pursued a bear into a tree and subsequently shot it.
A tragic hunting accident claimed the life of a Virginia father of five after a bear he had shot fell from a tree and landed on him.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has released details from their investigation into the incident, revealing the circumstances of the shocking event.
According to the report, the man was part of a hunting group that had pursued a bear up into a tree. After shooting the animal, the bear fell, fatally injuring the hunter in a scenario as surreal as it was devastating.
The man who tragically lost his life has been identified as 58-year-old Lester C. Harvey Jr., a resident of Phenix, Virginia.
According to the report, the hunting group had gathered around the base of a tree, observing the bear they had chased into it.
Officials state that the group decided to step back before shooting the bear. Lester C. Harvey Jr. was reportedly standing about 10 feet from the base of the tree at the time.
Despite retreating to what he likely believed was a safe distance, tragedy struck when the bear fell directly on him after being shot.
Following the incident, one of Harvey Jr.’s fellow hunters attempted to administer first aid while awaiting the arrival of local emergency services.
Following the incident, Lester C. Harvey Jr. was initially described as being in a “serious but stable condition” after being transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the injuries he sustained several days later.
An obituary described Harvey Jr. as a self-employed contractor and passionate outdoorsman who “was a friend to all and never met a stranger.”
He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren, leaving behind a grieving family and community.
According to 6News Richmond, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources stated, “The Department is not currently seeking any charges related to this incident.”
A heartbreaking comment left on a Facebook post, reportedly belonging to Lester C. Harvey Jr., revealed that one of his sons was with him at the time of the tragic accident.
His son wrote:
“Dad was doing what he loved most, bear hunting with me and some of his good friends when he was injured. I love you, Dad. We had some great times… I am so thankful for all the memories we made and all you taught me. I wouldn’t be the man I am now if it wasn’t for you.”
One of Harvey Jr.’s daughters also shared a moving tribute:
“My dad was the hardest worker I know. He was either working or hunting. 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.”
These heartfelt messages reflect the profound grief of his family as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
Reactions on social media to the tragic incident were mixed, with some expressing little sympathy for the hunter.
“Instant karma,” one person wrote.
“Nobody eats bear. This was completely avoidable,” commented another.
“Poetic justice,” a user on X (formerly Twitter) added.
“I no longer understand the idea of shooting animals for fun. That hurts my heart,” said another commenter, reflecting on the ethics of hunting.
The responses highlight the polarizing nature of hunting, with some focusing on the tragedy of the loss, while others criticized the act of hunting itself.
