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Bath man dies while hunting
BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER
LAKE MOOMAW - A Bath County hunter was the first fatality during Virginia's deer season this year.
Thirty-six year old Radcliffe Vernon of Hot Springs died Saturday morning while hunting on the eastern side of Bolar Mountain near Lake Moomaw. Vernon died from a gunshot wound to the arm, according to Dr. Amy Tharp, assistant chief medical examiner for Virginia.
The wound was not self-inflicted, Tharp said. Vernon was found about 7:30 a.m., according to Department of Game and Inland Fisheries conservation officer Sgt. Jerry Jones, the lead investigator, but he declined to say who found him or who reported the incident.
Vernon was hunting alone on the first day of muzzleloading season, Jones said. He was not wearing blaze orange. State law does not require hunters to wear blaze orange except during the regular rifle season for deer.
There were no other hunters in the area when the victim was found, Jones said, and foul play is not suspected. The weather was good with skies a little overcast, Jones said, adding that Vernon was hunting on game department property.
Wednesday, Lt. Kevin Clark, DGIF area administrator, said the bullet passed through Vernon's arm and entered the chest area where it severed a major artery. Clark had not seen the full autopsy report.
"There are some unanswered questions," Clark said about the incident, adding the investigation is ongoing. He was reluctant to provide any other information, which "might affect the out come of the investigation."
After the investigation is complete, the findings will be reviewed with Commonwealth's Attorney John "Chris" Singleton, who will decide whether any charges would be filed, Clark said. No further details of the incident were available.
Jones has been a DGIF officer for 26 years and said he could not recall the last hunting fatality in Bath County. On average, about three hunters die in unintentional shootings or other accidents in Virginia each year, according to DGIF spokeswoman Julia Dixon.
Vernon was a chef at The Grille in The Homestead. His wife, four children and mother survive him. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at McLaughlin Funeral Home in Hot Springs.
Clark encourages all hunters to follow three safety rules to help prevent shooting accidents. First, wear blaze orange. Second, fully identify the animal before you shoot. Third, be aware of what is behind your target should you miss or if the bullet passes through the target animal.
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