A Virginia man died after being crushed by a bear shot by one of his hunting partners, state wildlife officials reported.
The tragic accident occurred on December 9, 2024, in Lunenburg County, located between Richmond and Danville. Harvey, 58, was part of a group pursuing the bear when it climbed up a tree to escape, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
While the hunting party was retreating, one of the hunters shot the bear. Unfortunately, the animal fell approximately ten feet and landed directly on Harvey, who was standing beneath the tree during the incident.
Immediately following the bear's fall, another member of the hunting group provided first aid before Harvey was rushed to two hospitals. Despite these efforts, he died from his injuries several days later.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources identified Harvey as a married father of five and grandfather of eight, who was well-known as a self-employed contractor and outdoor enthusiast.
An obituary described him as someone who was "a friend to all and never met a stranger" and noted his passion for the outdoors.
His son, Josh Harvey, remembered his father on social media saying, "Dad was injured extremely badly doing what he loved the most along with his good friends." The post was accompanied by photos from the hunting excursion, including the dead bear amid videos from his hospitalization.
According to wildlife officials, the hunting group's actions were illegal, as Virginia law prohibits shooting at animals fleeing up trees and specifies it is unlawful to "cripple, harm, or dislodge" bears from trees for the intent of chase or training dog hunts.
While no criminal charges are currently being sought, the incident has raised concerns about safety regulations and hunting practices within the state. Shelby Crouch, spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, emphasized the unusual nature of the occurrence.
Despite the bizarre circumstances, fatalities and injuries among hunters are not uncommon. This incident echoes previous events, such as one in Alaska back in 2018, where a bear shot by one hunter fell on his partner, resulting in serious injuries. Similarly, another incident occurred one year later when hunters were themselves at risk after shooting a bear hiding up in a tree.
Following Harvey's untimely death, his family planned his funeral for the following Thursday. The statewide hunting community is mourning the loss, reflecting on the inherent dangers associated with the sport.
Experts advise hunters to always be aware of their surroundings and to follow safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening again. These tragic events serve as sobering reminders of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of exercising caution on hunting trips.
Lester Harvey is survived by his loving family, who will always cherish his memory as someone who loved the great outdoors and shared his passion with those around him.
