(LibertySociety.com) – A Virginia man tragically lost his life in an unusual hunting accident when a bear fell from a tree and landed on him after being shot by a hunting companion. The incident occurred on December 9 in Lunenburg County, near Richmond, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR).
The victim, Lester C. Harvey, 58, of Phenix, Virginia, was part of a hunting group pursuing the bear when the animal climbed up a tree. As the group retreated from the base of the tree, one of the hunters fired a shot, causing the bear to fall approximately 10 feet, striking Harvey. Despite immediate first aid efforts and transport to two different hospitals, Harvey succumbed to his injuries on Friday, December 15.
Harvey is survived by his wife, five children, and eight grandchildren. His obituary described him as a warm and outgoing individual who “never met a stranger” and had a passion for the outdoors. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday.
Virginia wildlife officials confirmed that the bear had been chased by the hunting party prior to climbing the tree. They noted that state regulations prohibit crippling, harming, or dislodging a bear from a tree with the intent to continue a hunt or train hunting dogs. Despite this law, VDWR stated that no charges are currently being pursued in relation to the incident.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources expressed condolences to the family and reiterated safety guidelines for bear hunting. The department emphasized that hunters must follow ethical practices to ensure both their safety and compliance with state laws.
“This is a deeply unfortunate incident, and our thoughts are with Mr. Harvey’s family and friends during this difficult time,” a VDWR spokesperson told local news outlets.
The accident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers inherent in hunting activities and underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols in the field.
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