(TheIndependentStar.com) – What was supposed to be a fun hunting trip in Virginia turned into a tragic incident that left the outdoor community in shock and mourning.
58-year-old Lester Clayton Harvey Jr. lost his life after a bear fell from a tree and landed on him during a hunting expedition.
The incident took place in Lunenburg County, Virginia, a rural area between Richmond and Danville.
Harvey and his hunting partners had successfully tracked a bear, which had climbed up a tree.
The situation quickly turned deadly in a turn of events that no one could have predicted.
“A Virginia man has died after a bear in a tree shot by one of his hunting partners fell on him, state wildlife officials said,” stated the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
According to reports, Harvey was standing around 10 feet from the tree when the bear fell and struck him after being shot.
The pure weight of the animal caused severe injuries to Harvey, who received immediate first aid from his fellow hunters before being rushed to a local hospital.
Despite efforts to save him, Harvey died of his injuries at VCU Medical Center.
Harvey’s obituary described him as “a friend to all” and “an avid outdoorsman,” highlighting the loss felt by both his family and the hunting community.
He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love for the outdoors.
With around 1,000 firearm-related incidents happening in the U.S. each year, hunting accidents are not uncommon. However, this particular case stands out due to its unusual nature.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has not announced any new safety recommendations following the incident.
Harvey’s funeral service was recently scheduled at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, where friends, family, and fellow outdoorsmen gathered to celebrate his life and passion for hunting.
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