Lester Harvey, a Virginia father of five, lost his life in a freak bear-hunting accident on December 9. The 58-year-old was killed when a fellow hunter shot a black bear in a tree, causing it to fall on the man.
Per People Magazine, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has revealed that Harvey was with a hunting group at the time, and the incident took place at around 9:50 a.m. local time in Lunenburg County. While he was initially hospitalized, he succumbed to his injuries four days later.
All we know about Lester Harvey's death as his wife issues a heartfelt statement on Facebook about his demise
As reported by The Guardian, the hunting group was tailing the bear when it climbed up the tree, and as it was doing so, a hunter shot it, The predator then fell onto Lester Harvey, who was standing about 10ft (3 meters) away from the tree.
Someone from the group tried to administer first aid, and reportedly, Harvey was rushed via ground to VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill. However, he was later at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, about 80 miles away. he succumbed to his injuries in the critical unit on Friday.
"A member of the hunting group rendered first aid until local fire and EMS arrived on scene," a spokesperson for the VDW, Shelby Crouch, said. "The department is not currently seeking any charges related to this incident," she told USA Today.
Per Outdoor Life, a Facebook post from his wife reveals that Lester Harvey “wasn’t doing anything wrong he was just getting his dog!” At the time of writing, details surrounding the nature of the accident remain uncertain, including how big the bear was, what injuries Harvey sustained, and if he lost consciousness upon impact. April Dawn Harvey wrote on Facebook:
"I went from having the best husband and a man that loved me so much and a man I loved with my heart and soul to being a widow at 48 years old. It’s not fair…. I am trying so hard to keep my faith in God but this has destroyed my life so it’s really kind of hard! You were the best husband! I love you so much and will the rest of my life!”
In his obituary, Lester Harvey, a self-employed contractor, was described as "a friend to all and never met a stranger." He leaves behind his beloved wife, three sons, Cody Harvey (Jessica), Josh Harvey, and Jaxen Harvey; two daughters, Lindsey Bender (Mark), and Summer Harvey.
He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Brycen Bender, Parker Bender, Mason Bender, Easton Bender, Elijah Bender, Ava Stern, Camden Harvey, and Addison Stern; siblings, Leslie Dixon (Dwight), Jeff Harvey (Wendy) and Angela Peck (Mike Bryant).
Trending
As mentioned in the obituary, Lester Harvey's funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Mt. Carmel UMC. Pastor Mike Teixeira will be leading the sermon, and friends and family can visit the home on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Reply
