A Virginia father of five has died after being struck by a bear falling from a tree, according to state wildlife officials.
An investigation by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources suggests that a group of hunters chased a bear into a tree. Then as the group retreated from the bottom of the tree, one of the hunters shot the bear, according to officials.
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As the animal fell, it hit 58-year-old Lester C. Harvey Jr., of Phenix, Virginia, who was standing about 10 feet from the bottom of the tree, officials said. One of the hunters provided first aid until local fire and EMS arrived, according to officials.
Harvey, who had been in serious but stable condition after being transported to a hospital, died of his injuries.
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Harvey was a self-employed contractor and avid outdoorsman who "was a friend to all and never met a stranger," according to his obituary.
He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren.
"The Department is not currently seeking any charges related to this incident," an official with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said Sunday.
This story was originally published by Scripps News Richmond.
