Oro Valley golf course worker dies after bee attack | News

A A Pusch Ridge Golf Course employee has died as a result of injuries sustained on June 24 when he was attacked by a swarm of bees on the Oro Valley Golf Course.

Rick Messina, 57, was an employee of Indigo Sports and had worked on the agronomy team at El Conquistador Golf Management for two years. Indigo Sports, which was acquired by Troon in 2021, has entered into a contract with the City of Oro Valley to manage El Conquistador Golf.

In a prepared statement, El Conquistador Golf Management said Messina was “carrying out his professional duties” – mowing the rough, or tall grass, on the eighth hole of the 9-hole Pusch Ridge Golf Course – when he was attacked.

“At the time of the incident, he was working alone, which is typical for (employees) using lawn mowers,” the company said.

Golder Ranch Fire District personnel “arrived on scene very quickly and transported” Messina to Oro Valley Hospital. He died June 27 from complications from bee stings, the statement said.

“Rick was a dedicated and valued member of our team, known for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude and unwavering dedication to his duties,” Troon/Indigo said in a statement. “His sudden passing is a profound loss to our work family and our community. He will be greatly missed by all of us.”

The City of Oro Valley acknowledged Messina’s death “with sadness” in its own prepared statement. “The City extends its sincere condolences to Rick’s family and loved ones affected by this tragic accident,” it said.

Likewise, El Conquistador Golf Management has “extended our deepest condolences to Rick’s family, friends and loved ones.” The company has “provided support resources to both Rick’s family and our team to help everyone get through this difficult time.”

Following the attack, professional beekeepers inspected all 45 holes of the city’s golf course for bee activity and/or hives, “and to date none have been found,” the city said.

Oro Valley has protocols that require employees to contact a bee removal specialist when a bee infestation is reported. “It is also important to know that employees attend annual bee safety training. They learn how to identify the most common bee species, where they are commonly found, and how to keep the area safe once bees have been identified,” the statement continued.

The city reminded residents to “be aware of wildlife and venomous animals in our area. Summer is peak season for bee swarms, so please stay alert,” it said.