WPBN: According to wildlife officials, a man died in Virginia a few days after being hit by a black bear that had fallen. The man was killed when the bear, which had been shot by another hunter, fell from a tree.
Father Lester C. Harvey, 58, has been confirmed as the victim. On Monday, December 9, at around 9:50 a.m. local time, Harvey was with a group of hunters when the incident happened. **USA Today** reported that one of the hunters had shot a black bear while the group was tracking it.
After the shot, the bear landed on Harvey after falling from the tree it was perched in. The incident’s specifics were verified by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, who emphasized how strange and awful what had happened was.
The bear’s fall caused Harvey to sustain serious injuries. He died a few days later from his injuries from the accident, despite efforts to save him. During this trying time, wildlife officials have sent their condolences to Harvey’s family and loved ones.
Even for seasoned hunters, the event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with hunting. Hunters are frequently cautioned by wildlife officials to be aware of their surroundings and the dangers of stalking and shooting huge animals like bears.
Even though hunting is prohibited in Virginia, mishaps like this one show how erratic wildlife interactions can be.
As the party walked away from the foot of the tree, one of the hunters shot the animal, which then fell onto Harvey, who was standing approximately ten feet from the bottom of the tree, according to USA Today and The Ledger-Enquirer. Wildlife officials stated that the group had chased the bear up the tree. It was then that the animal fell onto Harvey.
We are “not currently seeking any charges related to this incident,” according to a representative for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, as reported by WTVR.
According to CBS News, when Harvey was being brought to two different hospitals, one of the hunters made an attempt to provide him with first aid. But on Friday, December 13, he passed away while he was a patient in the hospital.
Harvey was recalled as “an avid outdoorsman” in addition to being, as stated in his obituary, “a friend to all” who “never met a stranger.”
His wife, April McAllister Harvey, and his five children are the only ones who will remember him after his passing.
The words “Dad was doing what he loved most” were written by Josh, the son, in a social media memorial that was uploaded while his father was still currently being treated in the hospital.
Following the passing of his father, Josh spoke of Harvey as his “best friend” and referred to him as the “best dad ever.”
“I love you dad,” he stated. “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.”
In addition, Lindsey, the daughter, offered some heartfelt remarks.
“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,” she stated on Facebook. “Please just pray for us.”
The funeral for Harvey is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 19, as stated in his obituary.
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