Arizona golf course employee dies after being attacked by a swarm of bees at work

An employee at a golf course in southern Arizona died on the job last month after being attacked by a swarm of bees, his employer said.

Rick Messina was a member of the agronomy team at El Conquistador Golf in Oro Valley. While working on the property on June 24, he encountered a “wandering swarm of bees” on the 8th hole of the Pusch Ridge Course, one of three on the property.

El Conquistador said rescue workers quickly arrived on the scene and took Messina to a local hospital, but he died three days later from the bee stings.

“Rick was a dedicated and valued member of our team, known for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude and unwavering dedication to his duties,” El Conquistador Golf Management 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 golf course said it has since “provided relief resources” to help Messina’s family and employees following the “tragic workplace accident.”

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In an email to employees obtained by Scripps News, El Conquistador General Manager Darryl Janisse outlined updated safety protocols implemented since Messina’s death, including the installation of new signs warning of possible “wildlife and poisonous animals.”

The message also informed staff that all 45 holes had been checked for bee activity. Professional beekeepers who were called to investigate the incident scene said the area was free of bees, El Conquistador said.

The course also changed the way staff respond and train when dealing with bees. Among other things, a bee removal specialist is now called when reports of bees are received. Annual training on bee safety is also offered.

Local experts told El Conquistador that people who spend time outdoors should be “aware and vigilant” about the current peak season for bees.

According to Mississippi State University, bee swarms are likely to move on soon after they arrive, especially if you ignore them. The university said they are not usually dangerous and are focused on “simple survival,” but if you find one, you should leave it alone.

If you are attacked, experts advise running away as fast as possible and not playing dead, as bees use their sense of smell to navigate. Another expert told ABC News that you should also not hit the bees, as this will make them feel threatened.