A 58-year-old man has tragically passed away after a bear fell from a tree and hit him during a hunting accident in Virginia, according to state wildlife officials on Tuesday.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources informed YSL News that the bear, which had been chased up a tree, fell and struck the hunter at approximately 9:50 a.m. on December 9 in Lunenburg County.

Lunenburg County is located nearly 80 miles southwest of Richmond, the state capital.

Based on initial findings, a group of hunters had pursued a bear into a tree, and after the hunters began to back away from the tree, one of them shot at the bear. As the bear fell, it struck Lester Clayton Harvey Jr., who was standing about 10 feet away, officials stated.

“A member of the hunting party provided first aid until local emergency personnel arrived,” said Shelby Crouch, a spokesperson for the wildlife department, on Tuesday.

The injured man was transported to a hospital, where he died on Friday, Crouch noted.

“The department is not pursuing any legal charges for this incident,” Crouch added.

‘Dad was enjoying his favorite pastime’

According to his obituary, Harvey, a lifelong resident of Halifax County, was a self-employed contractor and a member of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church.

He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who made friends easily and was known for his friendly nature, as described in his obituary.

Josh Harvey, one of his sons, was present with his father during the incident.

“Dad was doing what he loved the most—bear hunting with me and some of his good friends when the accident occurred,” his son shared in a Facebook post on December 11, along with photos from their hunting trips, including images with a bear.

A video tribute shared on Saturday by fellow hunter James Russell Hudson on the Facebook page Hounds Tales Hunters confirmed Harvey’s passing.

“Let’s keep Mr. Harvey’s family in our thoughts and prayers,” Hudson stated. “It’s always a tragedy to lose someone who loved hunting. It’s especially difficult to lose anyone during this time of year.”

YSL News has attempted to contact Harvey’s family.

Funeral plans for Lester Harvey, who died in a hunting accident

A funeral service has been scheduled for Thursday at Mount Carmel Church.

Harvey is remembered by his wife, April McAllister Harvey, along with his three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren.

This story has been updated with new information.