1 dead, 2 hospitalized after bees attack roofers working at a senior living center

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) – One man is dead and two others are in the hospital after being attacked by bees while working on the roof of a senior living center in Arizona on Monday morning.

Around 9:30 a.m., first responders were called to the Vi at Silverstone Independent Living Facility in Scottsdale for a report that members of a work crew had been stung by bees.

Three men were taken to the hospital, where one of them died, according to the Scottsdale Police Department. The two others remain in stable condition.

The man who died was identified as 65-year-old Nicolas Lopez Soto. He was stung “numerous times” all over his body, including parts that were covered by clothing, police said.

Investigators said the independent living facility had hired the workers to prepare a side column near the roof area, so a beekeeper could take care of the hive Tuesday. It is unknown if the bees are still in the area.

Bee experts says it was likely an Africanized bee colony, which makes up more than 90% of the bee population in Arizona.

Not everyone reacts the same way to being stung, as sensitivity levels vary depending on the person. However, if you are not allergic to bees, experts say it takes about 200-500 stings for anything significant to happen.

Beekeeper Cricket Ungvary told KPHO that right now, bees don’t have a lot of food sources, so they’re extra protective of their stored supply.

“Plus, the heat is just so extreme. They’re constantly having to maintain a certain temperature in their hive, so they’re just irritable,” said Ungvary.

She uncovered a valve box across the senior living facility, where she found a hive. But there were no bees. Ungvary said that, by the looks of it, the bees had moved away about a week ago, likely due to the heat.

Because it’s so hot out, she doesn’t believe they flew far. Ungvary explained that there are likely dozens of other hives in the neighborhood, each home to tens of thousands of bees.