Man dies after being stung by swarm of bees when he disturbed nest by mistake
A man has been killed after being stung by a swarm of bees in his home, officials have confirmed.
Mike Alford, 59, was moving an old bag of soil when the horrific tragedy took place in Haran County, Kentucky, on Tuesday evening. The married dad and grandfather from Dizney has not been formally identified by authorities but his name was confirmed by family members.
Mr Alford disturbed a swarm of bees which had settled inside the bag of soil, before they flew out and attacked him, according to the Harlan County Coroner’s Office. His heart stopped beating within 30 minutes after being stung and his family members began CPR on Mr Halford before the paramedics arrived and took over.
He was taken to Harlan ARH Hospital’s emergency room, where doctors were unable to save his life - and he was pronounced dead by the deputy coroner at around 6pm.
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He is survived by his wife of 41 years Margalene Alford (GoFundMe)The coroner’s office is investigating the death, and it is as yet unconfirmed whether Mr Alford was allergic to bee stings.
His son, Mitch, said: “It's a big burden on us... my mum and the whole family, We did everything we can.” Mitch’s sister, Marlana, had been performing CPR on her father when Mitch ran to the scene to help out. The former gas station manager is survived by a wife of 41 years, Margalene Alford, three children and 11 grandchildren.
Marlana started a GoFundMe page for the funeral, writing on social media that she is “way out of her comfort zone”. She confirmed that all donations to the GoFundMe will go towards burial and funeral expenses, and has so far raised $5,118 of the $4,000 goal.
Mr Alford disturbed a swarm of bees (Getty Images/imageBROKER RF)The coroner’s office is investigating Mr Alford’s death, and said their “hearts go out to the entire family and friends” on Facebook. Mr Alford’s obituary said he was a lifelong resident of Harlan County who “enjoyed four-wheeling, playing the piano, collecting knives and whittling”.
He suffered various health issues - including a heart condition - and went through surgery years ago. Mitch added: “My dad was very humble. He was a quiet and reserved man, also very devoted to Christianity.”
Bee sting deaths aren’t very common, with a total of 788 deaths between 2011 and 2022 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These deaths are usually a result of a severe allergic reaction to stings - and 84% of them happened in men.
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