Arizona man dies in ‘tragic accident’ after being attacked by swarm of bees

A golf course worker in Arizona has died after being attacked by a swarm of bees. The man died on the job last month, his employer said.

Rick Messina, 57, worked on the agronomy team at El Conquistador Golf & Tennis in Oro Valley, north of Tucson, helping maintain the facility’s grounds. This is one of many tragic incidents that have occurred in Arizona this summer.

It was revealed that he was stung by a swarm of bees near the eighth hole of the Pusch Ridge Golf Course on June 24. In a statement, the facility management said it was a “tragic industrial accident.”

He was mowing the rough around the Pusch Ridge Course when the swarm of bees attacked him. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he died three days later.

His cause of death was complications from the bee stings. On the afternoon of the attack, professional beekeepers were called to inspect the area immediately surrounding the eighth hole at Pusch Ridge, the club said.

The club’s statement read: “Rick was a dedicated and valued member of our team, known for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude and unwavering commitment to his duties. His sudden passing is a profound loss to our work family and our community. He will be sorely missed by all of us.”

Meanwhile, Darryl Janisse, general manager of El Conquistador Golf, sent an email to club members saying: “It is with a heavy heart that I am emailing our members to inform them of the tragic incident that occurred at Pusch Ridge involving one of our co-workers and a swarm of bees.”

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He further explained that the club would implement safety protocols following Messina’s death, including signs warning visitors to “beware of wild and poisonous animals.”

Arizona is home to numerous species of bees, most of which pose no threat to humans. However, some swarms and hives can cause serious harm to humans and even death.

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