Father-of-five is killed in freak hunting accident involving apex predator
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A Virginia father-of-five tragically died after a bear fell out of 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 am on Monday, December 9 in Lunenburg County, the Virginia 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]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/03/93258963-14204017-The_58_year_old_father_succumbed_to_his_injuries_several_days_af-a-6_1734492008383.jpg)
The hunting group chased the apex predator up the tree before shooting at the suspended animal, which then fell onto Harvey, who was standing about 10 feet away from the bottom. One of his fellow huntsmen then performed live-saving aid to Harvey before he was transported to a nearby hospital.
![[The huntsman's funeral is set for December 19, according to his obituary. He is survived by his wife, April McAllister Harvey, their five children and eight grandchildren. Pictured: Lester Harvey (middle) with his family and their prey]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/03/93258985-14204017-The_huntsman_s_funeral_is_set_for_December_19_according_to_his_o-a-7_1734492008391.jpg)
'A member of the hunting group rendered first aid until local fire and EMS arrived on scene,' wildlife resources spokesperson Shelby Crouch said. However, the 58-year-old father succumbed to his injuries days later and was pronounced dead on December 13.
A Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources spokesperson 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 a member of his local church, Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, according to his obituary.
