Amateur beekeeper dies from sting after failing to wear protective gear
An amateur beekeeper tragically died of anaphylactic shock after being stung by a bee because he was not wearing a protective hat, a coroner has concluded.
Alan Ransom, 55, of Godshill, Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, passed away at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, on 15 May 2024, as detailed in the written inquest conducted by senior coroner Caroline Sumeray.
Noting an unfortunate outcome, Ms. Sumeray officially stated that the cause of death was hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and anaphylactic shock, which was directly caused by a severe reaction to a bee sting.
The coroner also announced that the 55-year-old man’s death occurred “as a result of his failure to wear a beekeeper’s hat and then developed an anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting in his left ear.”
Mr Ransom, who was born in Epsom, Surrey and worked professionally as a civil engineer, had also developed a significant online presence. He had operated a YouTube channel under the name “The Vectis Beeman” since July 2022, where he openly described himself as a “hobby beekeeper.”
In the channel’s description, he stated his mission: “Follow my journey as I document my mistakes and successes as I try to progress from a complete novice to a more experienced and versatile beekeeper.”
In 2023, Mr. Ransom gained local attention when he successfully re-homed a significant swarm of about 2,000 bees from the parking lot at the Island Roads headquarters in Newport, where he worked, and relocated them to one of his hives at Marvel Solar Farm.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food, medicine or insect stings.
People should call 999 if they think they or someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction.
Symptoms appear quickly and include swelling of the throat and tongue; difficulty breathing or breathing too fast; difficulty swallowing, throat tightness, or hoarseness; wheezing, coughing, or noisy breathing; feeling tired or confused; feeling faint, dizzy, or faint; and blue, gray, or pale skin, lips, or tongue.
People may also have a swollen, raised, or itchy rash.
The MHRA said it was strengthening its guidance on how to recognize and respond to signs of anaphylaxis, including the use of adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPen and Jext) prescribed to people at risk of anaphylaxis.
He said immediate steps taken in response to anaphylaxis could be the difference between life and death.
