The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources investigated the mans death. 58-year-old Lester C. Harvey Jr. from Virgina was part of a group that chased the animal into the tree before shooting it.

The report stated that the hunting group had scared the bear, to the point of it hiding in the tree. They then stepped back before shooting it.

Harvey Jr was reportedly standing about 10 feet from the bottom of the tree. He thought he was a safe distance, but the animal landed on him after being shot.

Following the incident, the group called emergency services and attempted first aid. He was in a serious but stable condition’ before being taken to hospital. However, sadly died a few days later due to his injuries.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren.

One of his sons wrote on a Facebook post belonging to the hunter: “Dad was doing what he loved most, bear hunting with me and some of his good friends when he was injured.”

“I love you dad,” he added. “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.”

However, social media was less kind. One person commented: “Instant karma,” while another wrote “Nobody eats bear. This was completely avoidable”. A third said: “Poetic justice,”.