…Researched and contributed by Larry John.
A 51-year-old man, Thongphan Jitchomphu, was killed by bees while collecting honey in the Phu Phan National Park in the Isaan province of Kalasin, Thailand.
Jitchomphu was hunting for honey with friends when he was discovered 10 feet above the forest floor, suspended by a vine and covered in bee stings on both his face and body.
He was found by locals and emergency services, who attempted to rescue him.
He had gone up to get honey from a hive using a fire torch to smoke out the bees and a balaclava to protect his face, but something went wrong, and he began to be attacked by the bees.
According to a friend who was with him on the honey-gathering expedition, Jitchomphu had instructed him to remain on the ground while he climbed up to collect the honey.
When the friend heard Jitchomphu shout, he went to check on him and found him hanging from the vines, unresponsive, with the vine wrapped around his ankle.
The friend ran to a nearby settlement for help, but by the time they returned, it was too late.
Jitchomphu was experienced at gathering honey, and it is unclear why the hive turned on him.
The hot weather and smoke from the torch may have contributed to the severity of his reaction, according to local rescuer Kongkham Phonyium.
Jitchomphu’s body has been sent for an autopsy at a nearby hospital, and it is possible he was allergic to bee stings.
The incident is a reminder of the risks that come with activities such as beekeeping or collecting honey from the wild.