Man Fatally Dies from Bee Stings While Handling Potting Soil in Harlan County
A tragic incident occurred in Harlan County when a 59-year-old man named Michael Alford lost his life after being stung by a swarm of bees. Alford was in the process of moving a bag of potting soil on Monday when the bees attacked him. Despite the efforts of his family and first responders who performed CPR, their attempts to save him were unsuccessful.
According to John W Jones, Harlan’s deputy coroner, Alford was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The cause of death was determined to be respiratory failure resulting from the multiple bee stings. This devastating incident has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of a fellow resident.
Michael Alford, a former gas station manager, was a lifelong resident of Harlan County. He was known for his love of outdoor activities such as four-wheeling and his hobbies, including playing the piano, collecting knives, and whittling. He leaves behind his wife, Chi-Chi Margalene Margo Hughes Alford, three children, and eleven grandchildren. The authorities have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Alford family and friends during this difficult time.
Bee stings can have severe consequences, and this incident sheds light on the potential dangers they pose. In the United States, between 2011 and 2021, there have been a total of 788 deaths caused by hornet, wasp, and bee stings, averaging 72 deaths per year, according to the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is worth noting that approximately 84% of these deaths occurred in men.
This unfortunate event in Harlan County is not the first instance of bee stings causing harm. Last year, a 20-year-old man from Ohio was stung over 20,000 times by bees while cutting branches. Thankfully, he managed to recover after being put into a medically induced coma. Similarly, earlier this year in Arizona, an individual lost their life, and two others were hospitalized after sustaining hundreds of bee stings.
In light of these incidents, it is crucial to be cautious when encountering bees, wasps, or hornets. The CDC recommends washing the sting site with soap and water immediately and removing the stinger with gauze or a fingernail, being careful not to squeeze or use tweezers. Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the potential risks that nature can present and the importance of being informed and prepared. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Michael Alford during this difficult time in Harlan County.
