A 55-year-old amateur beekeeper from the Isle of Wight has died after suffering a catastrophic allergic reaction to a bee sting, an inquest has concluded.
Tragic Incident During Hive Management
Alan Ransom, a civil engineer from Godshill, was fatally stung on the ear while handling his bees on May 15, 2024. The inquest, led by coroner Caroline Sumeray, heard that Ransom was not wearing his protective beekeeper's hat at the time of the incident.
He was subsequently rushed to St Mary's Hospital on the island but could not be saved. The medical cause of death was recorded as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy – brain injury caused by lack of oxygen – which resulted from anaphylactic shock triggered by the sting.
A Passionate Hobbyist Beekeeper
Ransom, who described himself as a hobbyist beekeeper, had approximately six years of experience. He maintained several active hives at the Marvel Solar Farm Aviary on the Isle of Wight.
His beekeeping operation was productive, typically yielding around 40 jars of honey each year. Ransom also shared his passion online, running a YouTube channel named 'The Vectis Bee Man' where he posted educational videos about beekeeping.
In 2023, he demonstrated his skill and dedication by safely rehoming a swarm of roughly 2,000 bees that had settled in the car park at his workplace, Island Roads' headquarters in Newport.
Safety Reminder for Beekeepers
This tragic case underscores the vital importance of wearing full protective gear, even for experienced beekeepers. Anaphylaxis can develop at any time, even in individuals with no prior history of severe reactions.
Ransom, who worked as a civil engineer for the highway maintenance company Island Roads, was well-regarded in his local community. His death serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with beekeeping, a popular pastime across the UK.
The coroner's findings confirm a deeply unfortunate accident, highlighting how a single sting led to a rapid and fatal allergic reaction.
