CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The state Division of Natural Resources reports that a fourth hunter has died on the opening day of West Virginia's two-week gun season for deer.

DNR spokesman Hoy Murphy identified the victim as Edmond Thomas, 63, of Stuarts Draft, Va.

Thomas' body was found by a friend Monday after he failed to return to his vehicle. The pair were hunting near Capon Bridge in Hampshire County.

Murphy said it appears that Thomas fell from an elevated hunting stand. His body has been taken to the medical examiner's office in Morgantown.

Murphy said another hunter is in stable condition after falling from a tree stand Monday.

-- Associated Press