Amateur beekeeper, 55, died after suffering severe allergic reaction to a bee sting
During the investigation, it was learned that an amateur beekeeper died as a result of a severe allergic reaction due to a bee sting in his ear.
Alan Ransom, 55, went into anaphylactic shock after being bitten. He’s not wearing his beekeeper hat.
Mr Ransom, a civil engineer from Godshill on the Isle of Wight, died from brain injuries caused by lack of oxygen following the reaction.
He died at St Mary’s Hospital on the island on May 15, 2024, a written inquest at the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Court heard.
Coroner Caroline Sumeray, who concluded that the cause of death was ‘unfortunate’, said that Mr Ransom reacted to being stung in his left ear while he was beekeeping.
He was tending to his hives on May 10, when the incident occurred.
Emergency services, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, rushed to the scene and Mr Ransom was transported to hospital, where he died five days later.
The medical cause of death was recorded as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy caused by anaphylactic shock in response to a bee sting.
Alan Ransom, 55, went into anaphylactic shock and died after being stung while not wearing his beekeeper hat.
Mr Ransom, a civil engineer from Godshill on the Isle of Wight, died from brain injuries caused by lack of oxygen following the reaction.
After his death, Mr Ransom’s friends and family raised more than £1,500 for Cancer Research UK in his memory
Mr Ransom, who described himself as a beekeeper, kept bees at Marvel Solar Farm Aviary on the Isle of Wight, where he had several active hives.
He had about six years of beekeeping experience at the time of his death and usually produced about 40 jars of honey each year.
Mr Ransom also ran a YouTube channel under the name ‘Vectis Bee Man’, where he shared videos about beekeeping.
He invited his followers to ‘follow my journey as I document my mistakes and successes as I strive to progress from a complete beginner to a more seasoned and seasoned Beekeeper.’
In 2023, it rehomed a swarm of around 2,000 bees, which settled in the car park at Island Roads’ headquarters in Newport, Isle of Wight.
He worked as a civil engineer at a highway maintenance company.
Mr Ransom, originally from Epsom, Surrey, safely moved the car park flock to one of his hives at Marvel Solar Farm.
Following his death, friends and family raised more than £1,500 for Cancer Research UK in his memory.
In memories shared at the fundraiser, Mr Ransom was described as a ‘wonderful man and a great friend’ and a ‘kind and gentle soul’.
The Isle of Wight Beekeepers Association said at the time: ‘We are very sorry to hear of the recent death of one of our members. “Our thoughts are with his family at this time,” he said.
