There are a wide range of opinions on hunting, but I think all of us could agree that life is precious, regardless of whether it belongs to a wild animal or human. The decision hunt is one that must be made personally, and sometimes your decision may have dire consequences.

In Virginia, a father of five was on a hunting trip when he shot a bear. In a story that almost sounds unbelievable, he died as a result of his success, and is leaving behind his five children and wife.

The details were shared by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as to what caused the man’s death. According to the reports, he was part of a group of hunters that chased the bear up a tree.

When 58-year-old Lester C Harvey Jr of Phoenix, Virginia gathered around the tree along with the other hunters looking up at the bear, they decided to step back and shoot the animal. Harvey Jr was standing about 10 feet away from the bottom of the tree when they took aim and fired.

Despite the fact that he thought he was a safe distance away from the tree, the bear landed on him after it was shot. One of his fellow hunters attempted to provide first aid until emergency services arrived, but he was in ‘serious but stable condition’ when they were able to get to him.

Harvey Jr was transported to a hospital and due to the injuries he sustained, he died a few days later. According to the obituary written about him, he was a ‘self-employed contractor and avid outdoorsman who ‘was a friend to all and never met a stranger”

He leaves behind his wife, three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren.

At this point, the Department of Wildlife Resources in Virginia is not currently seeking charges related to the incident.

One of his sons was with him when the incident happened. He wrote a Facebook post, saying: “Dad was doing what he loved most, bear hunting with me and some of his good friends when he was injured.”

He went on to say: “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.”

His daughter also wrote: “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.”

Unfortunately, the people who commented were less than sympathetic. We wish the family peace and may he rest in peace also.