A father-of-five from Virginia suffered a tragic death during a hunting trip.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources released an investigation summary after the incident.
The report says the man died after a group of hunters had chased a bear into a tree.
The man has been identified as 58-year-old Lester C. Harvey Jr. of Phenix, Virginia.
The hunters gathered around the tree and looked up at the bear.
The group then stepped back, and at that moment they shot the bear, officials said.
Harvey Jr. stood about 10 feet from the base of the tree.
Despite retreating to what he thought was a safe distance, the bear landed on him after being shot.
A fellow hunter tried to give first aid until local emergency services arrived.
After the fall, Harvey Jr. was taken to a hospital.
He was described as ‘serious but stable’ at first.
He died several days later from his injuries.
An obituary described him as a self-employed contractor and an avid outdoorsman.
The obituary said he “was a friend to all and never met a stranger.”
Harvey Jr. is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren.
According to 6news Richmond, a Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources official said, “The Department is not currently seeking any charges related to this incident.”
One of his sons posted on Facebook that he was with his father during the accident.
His son wrote: “Dad was doing what he loved most, bear hunting with me and some of his good friends when he was injured.”
He added: “I love you dad. 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.”
A daughter posted: “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. Please pray for us.”
Reactions on social media ranged widely.
Some wrote: “Instant karma.”
Others said: “Nobody eats bear. This was completely avoidable.”
One comment read: “Poetic justice.”
Another wrote: “I no longer understand the idea of shooting animals for fun. That hurts my heart.”