LUNENBERG COUNTY, Va. – A member of a hunting party lost his life after a bear he was pursuing fell on him.

According to an emailed media release from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), the incident occurred Monday, December 9, 2024.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., the DWR was notified of a hunting incident in Lunenburg County.

A preliminary investigation suggested that a group of hunters were tracking a bear that they subsequently chased up a tree.

A hunter in the group shot the treed bear. As the animal fell, it struck a man who was standing approximately 10 feet from the bottom of the tree.

Another member of the hunting group rendered first aid until local fire and EMS arrived on scene.

The victim was transported by ground to VCU South Hill Community Memorial Hospital and was subsequently transported to VCU Medical Center in Richmond.

The victim was identified as Lester Clayton Harvey, Jr., 58.

On Friday, December 13, Harvey succumbed to his injuries.

Lunenberg County is a town located approximately 80 miles south of Richmond. As of the 2020 census, the town’s population was 11,936.

In Virginia, bears may be harvested using any lawful weapon within the incorporated limits of any town or city that allows bear hunting from October 5 through January 4.

The DWR is not currently seeking any charges related to this incident.