A father of five in Virginia tragically died after a bear fell from a tree and struck him in what appeared to be a hunting accident, state wildlife officials said.
Lester Harvey, 58, was with a group of fellow hunters, including his son, when a black bear fell out of a tree and hit him around 9:50 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, in Lunenburg County, he said. the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. .
The group of hunters chased the predator up the tree before shooting the suspended animal, which then fell on Harvey, who was standing about 10 feet away from the bottom.
One of his fellow hunters then helped Harvey save his life before he was transported to a nearby hospital.
“A member of the hunting party provided first aid until local firefighters and EMS arrived on scene,” said wildlife resources spokeswoman Shelby Crouch.
However, the 58-year-old father succumbed to his injuries days later and was pronounced dead on December 13.
A spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said they are “not currently seeking any charges related to this incident.” CBS News reported.
Harvey was born in Halifax County and was a self-employed contractor and member of his local church, Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, according to his obituary.
Lester Harvey, 58, an “avid hunter,” was with a group of fellow hunters, including his son, when a black bear fell from a tree and struck him around 9:50 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, in the county. of Lunenburg, Virginia. The Department of Wildlife Resources said
The 58-year-old father succumbed to his injuries several days after the incident and was pronounced dead on December 13.
The hunter’s funeral is scheduled for December 19, according to his obituary. He is survived by his wife, April McAllister Harvey, his five children and eight grandchildren. In the photo: Lester Harvey (center) with his family and his prey.
The eulogy also described Harvey as “a friend to all” who “never met a stranger.”
His son Josh, who was there at the time of the tragic incident, took to Facebook to share his feelings of grief for his father.
“Dad was doing what he loved most,” Josh wrote in a social media tribute, shared while Harvey was still in the hospital.
After his father’s death, Josh called Harvey his “best friend” and the “best dad ever.”
“I love you dad,” he wrote. “We had some good times… I’m so grateful for all the memories we made and everything you taught me. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it weren’t for you.”
Harvey’s daughter Lindsey also shared some touching words on Facebook.
‘My dad was the hardest worker I know. He was working or hunting. The ONLY time he missed work was to hunt…I am broken in a way I didn’t even know I could,” she wrote.
The hunter’s funeral is scheduled for December 19, according to his obituary. He is survived by his wife, April McAllister Harvey, his five children and eight grandchildren.