In a shocking and unusual turn of events, a Virginia hunter lost his life in a tragic accident involving a bear he had shot. Lester C. Harvey Jr., a 58-year-old father of five, was on a bear-hunting trip with friends when the incident occurred. Despite receiving medical care, Harvey succumbed to his injuries a few days later, leaving his family and community in mourning.
The hunting trip had begun like any other for Harvey, an experienced outdoorsman. Along with his friends, he was pursuing a black bear in the Virginia wilderness. The hunters eventually cornered the bear in a tree, a scenario that might have seemed routine to them. However, as they prepared to bring the hunt to an end, events took a deadly turn.
According to an investigation by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the hunters shot the bear from approximately 10 feet away, assuming the distance was safe. Tragically, when the bear fell, it landed directly on Harvey. Despite immediate first aid efforts from his fellow hunters and emergency responders, the injuries proved too severe.
Harvey’s obituary paints a picture of a man deeply loved by his family and community. He was a self-employed contractor known for his generosity and love of the outdoors. “He never met a stranger,” the obituary reads. Harvey leaves behind a wife, three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren, all now grappling with an unimaginable loss.
Harvey’s children took to social media to express their grief and honor their father’s memory. One of his sons, who was with him during the accident, shared a heartfelt tribute. Another family member described Harvey as the hardest worker they knew, writing, “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.”
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable dangers involved in hunting, even for seasoned participants. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources confirmed they are not pursuing any charges related to the incident. As the community comes to terms with this tragic loss, they are reminded of the importance of safety and the unpredictable nature of the wilderness.
