Virginia Hunter Dies After Bear Shot in Tree Falls on Him

Lester C. Harvey, 58, succumbed to injuries days after a freak hunting accident involving a treed bear in Lunenburg County.

The incident occurred on December 9, 2024, when a group of hunters chased a black bear up a tree in Lunenburg County, Virginia.
One hunter shot the bear, which then fell approximately 10 feet and struck Lester C. Harvey, who was standing near the base of the tree.
Harvey was transported to two hospitals after first aid was administered at the scene but died from his injuries on December 13.
Harvey, a self-employed contractor and avid outdoorsman, is survived by his wife, five children, and eight grandchildren.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources stated that no charges are being pursued, despite the hunting party violating state regulations regarding treed bears.