Experienced Beekeeper Dies After bee Swarm Attack in County Mayo
Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland – A 73-year-old woman has died following a tragic incident involving a large swarm of bees in County Mayo on Monday evening. The victim has been identified as Kathleen Devine, a resident of the Knockmore area and a respected member of the local beekeeping community.
Ms. Devine was reportedly working alongside her husband at their beehives outside the village of Ballycastle when she was attacked. Eyewitnesses described a meaningful number of bees surrounding her, hindering immediate attempts to provide assistance.
Emergency services where quickly alerted, and the Rescue 118 Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to airlift Ms. Devine to Sligo University Hospital. despite the rapid response, she sadly succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The Mayo Beekeepers’ Association has expressed it’s profound sympathy to Ms. Devine’s family. In a statement, the association described her as an “accomplished and cherished member” of their community.
Authorities are currently preparing a file for the local coroner, which will include the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death. It is believed Ms. Devine sustained multiple bee stings during the attack.
Rare and Unprecedented Incident
While fatalities resulting from bee stings are rare, beekeepers emphasize the potential for severe allergic reactions. Experts also note that bees can exhibit increased defensiveness during inclement weather or when their honey is being harvested.
The Mayo Beekeepers’ association stated that honey bees are generally not aggressive and described the colony’s behavior in this instance as “unprecedented.” The reason for the unusually defensive response remains under investigation.
Funeral arrangements for Ms. devine are underway, with services scheduled to take place on Friday. World Today News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
