A tragic incident occurred recently in Bedias, Texas, when a 75-year-old grandfather was killed by a swarm of bees while working on his ranch. The victim, Bryce Smith, had been operating a bulldozer to clear trees on his property when he accidentally knocked down a tree that housed a bee hive.
Witnessing the attack, an employee who worked with Smith immediately rushed him inside and dialed 911 for assistance. Unfortunately, by the time emergency responders arrived at the scene, Smith had succumbed to his injuries. Described as a “wonderful husband, great dad, and great grandfather,” Bryce was well-respected in his community of Bedias, about 90 miles north of Houston.
Authorities believe that Smith may have been killed by Africanized honey bees, which are known for their aggressive behavior when frightened. Juliana Rangel, a Texas A&M AgriLife research honeybee scientist, explained to KTBX that these bees are more prone to feeling threatened by external stimuli than European bees, making them a dangerous threat to those who come into contact with them unknowingly.
In light of this tragedy, Rangel urges people to avoid attempting to remove hives themselves and instead consult professional beekeepers who have experience dealing with live bee removals. For anyone faced with an aggressive swarm of bees, the Texas Apiary Inspection Service recommends covering one’s head and face before running to a safe place and then calling for help.
Bryce Smith is survived by his wife, three children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His family fondly remembers him as a man whose love for his family and community will always be remembered.
