In a tragic and rare incident, a beloved groundskeeper at El Conquistador Golf & Tennis in Arizona lost his life after being attacked by a swarm of bees. The victim, 57-year-old Rick Messina, was performing his routine duties near the eighth hole of the Pusch Ridge Golf Course when the unthinkable happened. Despite immediate medical attention, Messina succumbed to his injuries three days later, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Rick Messina was a dedicated member of the agronomy team at the golf course, known for his exceptional work ethic and positive attitude. On the day of the incident, Messina was mowing the rough when the bee swarm attacked him. Emergency responders rushed him to a local hospital, but unfortunately, the severity of the bee stings proved fatal.
Following the attack, professional beekeepers were called in to inspect the area for hives. Surprisingly, no hives were found, leading experts to believe that the swarm was merely passing through when it launched its deadly assault on Messina. This freak accident underscores the unpredictable nature of bee behavior, especially during peak swarm season.
“Rick was a dedicated and cherished member of our team, known for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to his duties,” said the club’s management team in a heartfelt statement. “His sudden passing is a profound loss to our work family and our community. He will be deeply missed by all.”
El Conquistador Golf’s general manager, Darryl Janisse, also reached out to club members to inform them of the tragic event. “It is with a heavy heart that I am emailing our membership with a tragic incident that took place at Pusch Ridge involving one of our work associates and a swarm of bees,” Janisse wrote. He assured members that all 45 holes on the club’s courses had been thoroughly examined for bee activity, urging everyone to remain vigilant.
The summer months mark the peak season for bee swarms, a fact highlighted by experts who advise caution during this time. According to the CDC, bee stings result in an average of 72 deaths per year in the United States. Arizona, home to numerous native bee species, is particularly prone to such incidents. The Carl Hayden Bee Research Center has issued warnings about the dangers of bee colonies, stressing the importance of not provoking these insects.
“Do not shoot, throw rocks at, try to burn, or otherwise disturb the bees. Do not attempt to control them with aerosol sprays,” the research center advised. “If the colony is near a trail or near areas frequently used by humans, notify your local Forest Service, Game and Fish Department, or Parks and Recreation Department.”
The University of Arizona also provided guidance on handling bee swarms, emphasizing the need for professional intervention. “It is best to leave swarms alone if they are in a spot that does not have much human traffic passing close by,” they advised. “But if a swarm is in the way of people in a location that cannot be avoided, seek the help of an experienced professional to remove swarms. If swarms are disturbed, they will disperse within a local area and this can cause people to panic.”
Rick Messina’s untimely death is a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise from nature. As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated worker and friend, it also serves as a call to action for heightened awareness and caution during the peak bee swarm season.
