CBS News reported that a groundskeeper at an Arizona golf course was attacked and killed by a swarm of bees on June 27.
Rick Messina, a 57-year-old golf course worker at El Conquistador Golf and Tennis, was killed after being attacked by a swarm of bees. according to According to CBS News, the incident occurred on June 24 near the eighth hole at Pusch Ridge Golf Course, and despite receiving immediate medical attention, Messina died three days later on June 27 from complications from a bee sting.
A golf course employee in southern Arizona died after being attacked by a swarm of bees while at work last month, his employer announced.
—CBS News (@CBSNews) July 11, 2024
Messina was cutting grass as part of an agronomy team when he was attacked by the bees. Emergency services immediately took him to a local hospital after the incident, the media reported. Professional beekeepers were called in to inspect the area for any remnants of a hive or swarm, but found nothing. With no hive found, it's likely the swarm had just passed through. (Related article: Bees invade New York City subway entrance, causing chaos for rush-hour commuters)
El Conquistador management has taken multiple steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. All golf courses have been inspected for beehives and bee activity. General Manager Darryl Janis has informed club members about this unfortunate incident. These efforts include installing new warning signs about wild and poisonous creatures, as well as ongoing training for staff on bee safety.
WASHINGTON, DC – April 8, 2024: Thousands of honeybees swarm on tree branches outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture Headquarters building on the National Mall in Washington, DC. When a new queen arrives at a colony and the hive becomes crowded, some of the bees leave with the old queen to form a swarm. The swarm swarms on the branches while scout bees look for places to build new nests. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The club, along with Indigo Sports, the management company that oversees El Conquistador, are also offering their support to Messina's family and colleagues during this time. (Related article: Swarm of 5 million angry bees falls from truck, stings driver over 100 times)
“Rick was a dedicated and valued member of our team who was known for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude and unwavering dedication to his job,” club management said in a statement, CBS News reported. “His sudden passing is a great loss to our work family and the community. He will be deeply missed by all.”
Experts from the University of Arizona and the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center point out that while most local bee species are not typically dangerous, the region's Africanized honeybees can be particularly aggressive. Often referred to as “killer bees,” these bees are notorious for their tenacity and the highly toxic nature of their stings, which can be deadly, according to CBS News.
