MAN WAS FROM OREGON
Hunter dies after fall from tree stand
November 17, 2010
A hunter died Tuesday in Winona County after he apparently fell from a tree
stand, Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said. A Fairchase Outfitters guide
left David Christopher Haven, 57, of Salem, Ore., about 7:30 a.m. at a tree
stand near County Road 17 and south of Ridgeway, Brand said. When the guide
returned about 11:30 a.m., he found Haven on the ground, below the stand.
Haven was conscious and told the guide he fell from the stand, which was
about 17 to 18 feet high, Brand said. The guide ran up a hill to get cell
phone service and call 911.
Haven was no longer conscious when first responders arrived. Deputies used
an ATV and rescue sled to haul him out of the area, and an ambulance took
him to Winona Health, Brand said.
Haven died at the hospital.
Though Brand said there’s no indication foul play was involved, deputies are
investigating the death because no one witnessed Haven fall. Brand said an
autopsy will likely be done.
Fairchase Outfitters is a 4,000-acre property in Winona and Houston counties
that can be booked to bow hunt deer. Haven had flown into the Twin Cities
from Oregon and drove to Winona County exclusively to hunt, Brand said.
He was scheduled to return to Oregon today.