(EDITOR’S NOTE: Information provided earlier today from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department was incorrect. The following information has been provided by Jay Morehead, the victim’s brother.)

For the second time in a week a hunter was injured in a fall from a tree stand.

Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, Atwood Fire and officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department were called to an area of CR 600 West and 550 North where a man had fallen from a tree stand. The victim is identified as Joe Morehead, age 60, of Milford.

Morehead was flown by Samaritan air ambulance to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne for treatment. Jay Morehead tells StaceyPageOnline.com that his brother suffered a broken shoulder, broken ribs and broken pelvis when he fell from his tree stand Saturday evening.

According to Jay Morehead, his brother had been using a safety harness but unlatched it when he was preparing to descend from the tree. He stepped onto a branch that snapped, causing him to plummet to the ground.

Fortunately, Morehead was hunting with a friend who was able to call for help.

Morehead is still hospitalized and will be for approximately a week and a half. Jay Morehead said his brother was fortunate and will not have to undergo any surgeries to repair the broken bones.

On Saturday, Nov. 24, a 15-year-old North Webster boy was also hurt when he fell from a tree stand while hunting in the Tri County Fish and Wildlife Area near North Webster. (See full story)

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources encourages all hunters to use harnesses while hunting from tree stands to prevent serious injury or even death. The DNR says falls from elevated tree stands are the number one cause of hunting related injuries every year. Unfortunately many of these falls result in serious injury and death.

Conservation officers advise to take your time when climbing into your stand. Use solid foot and hand holds while climbing and use a fall arrest safety harness system while climbing to and from your platform and while seated in your stand. Once in your stand use a haul line to raise and lower your firearm or bow to you. Never climb into or out of your deer stand with your weapon in your hands or slung across your back.