Father of 5 Dies After Bear Shot by Fellow Hunter Falls on Him: 'Dad Was Doing What He Loved Most'

Mar. 15, 2025

Lester Clayton Harvey Jr.Photo:Henderson Funeral Home

Henderson Funeral Home

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said that Lester C. Harvey, 58, was with a group of hunters when a black bear fell out of a tree and hit him around 9:50 a.m. local time on Monday, Dec. 9,USA Todayreported.

According to wildlife officials, the group chased the bear up the tree, then as they walked away from the base of the tree, one of the hunters shot the animal, which then fell onto Harvey, who was standing about 10 feet from the bottom of the tree, according toUSA TodayandThe Ledger-Enquirer.

One of the hunters attempted to render first aid to Harvey before he was transported to two different hospitals,CBS Newsreported. However, he died in the hospital on Friday, Dec. 13.

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Representatives from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Describedin his obituaryas “a friend to all" who “never met a stranger,” Harvey was also remembered as “an avid outdoorsman.”

“Dad was doing what he loved most,” son Joshwrotein one social media tribute, which was shared while his dad 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 great times…I am so thankful for all the memories we made and all you taught me I wouldn’t be the man I am now if it wasn’t for you.”

Daughter Lindsey also shared some moving words.

“My dad was the hardest worker I know. He was either working or hunting. The ONLY time he missed work was to hunt…I’m broken in ways I didn’t even know I could break,“she wrote on Facebook. “Please just pray for us.”

Harvey’s funeral is set for Thursday, Dec. 19, according to his obituary.

source: people.com