In a tragic and unusual hunting accident, 58-year-old Lester C. Harvey of Phenix, Virginia, lost his life after a bear, shot by a fellow hunter, fell from a tree and struck him. The incident occurred on December 9, 2024, in Lunenburg County, situated between Richmond and Danville.

Harvey was part of a hunting group that had been tracking a black bear. The bear sought refuge by climbing a tree. As the group began to move away from the base of the tree, one of the hunters fired at the bear. The animal plummeted from the tree, striking Harvey, who was positioned approximately 10 feet from its base.

Immediate first aid was administered by a member of the hunting party until emergency responders arrived. Harvey was subsequently transported to two different hospitals. Despite these efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on December 13, 2024.

An obituary described Harvey as a devoted husband, father of five, and grandfather of eight. He was a self-employed contractor and an avid outdoorsman, known for his friendly nature and love for the wilderness.

His son, Josh Harvey, expressed his grief on social media, sharing images and videos from the hunting trip and his father’s time in the hospital. He mentioned that his father was doing what he loved most when the accident occurred. Josh referred to his father as his “best friend” and the “best dad ever,” expressing gratitude for the memories they shared and the lessons he imparted.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) stated that licensed hunters are permitted to harvest bears that have climbed trees, provided the act doesn’t involve harming or dislodging the bear with the intent of continuing a hunt or training dogs. A spokesperson for the department, Shelby Crouch, confirmed that no charges are currently being pursued in connection with the incident.

Such tragic accidents, while rare, have occurred in the past. In 2018, a hunter in Alaska sustained critical injuries when his companion shot a bear on a ridge; the animal tumbled down, dislodging rocks that struck the man. Similarly, in 2019, a North Carolina hunter was injured after a bear fell from a tree and attacked him before they both plunged off a cliff. The hunter survived but required hospitalization, while the bear was found dead later.

Harvey’s funeral is scheduled for December 19, 2024. He is survived by his wife, April McAllister Harvey, and his five children. His daughter, Lindsey, also shared her sorrow on social media, describing her father as the hardest worker she knew, who was either working or hunting. She expressed her profound grief, stating, “I’m broken in ways I didn’t even know I could break.”

The incident has prompted discussions about hunting safety, particularly concerning the risks associated with shooting animals perched in elevated positions. While the practice of harvesting treed bears is legal in Virginia under specific conditions, this tragedy underscores the potential dangers involved. The VDWR has not indicated any plans to alter current hunting regulations but emphasizes the importance of safety and awareness during hunting activities.

Community members have expressed their condolences to the Harvey family, remembering Lester as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand. His passion for the outdoors was well-known, and his untimely passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him.

As the family prepares for the upcoming funeral, they have requested privacy to grieve their loss. Friends and relatives are expected to gather to honor Harvey’s memory and celebrate his life, reflecting on the impact he had on his community and loved ones.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of hunting and the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. The hunting community is urged to take extra precautions, especially when dealing with wildlife in precarious situations, to ensure the safety of all participants.