Scottsdale, AZ– A devastating bee attack left one worker dead and two others hospitalized at a senior living center in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Monday morning.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. at the Vi at Silverstone Independent Living Facility. First responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports of multiple bee stings affecting workers who were performing roof work.
Upon arrival, emergency crews found three injured men who were immediately transported to a local hospital. Tragically, 65-year-old Nicolas Lopez Soto succumbed to his injuries after being stung numerous times all over his body, including areas protected by clothing, according to the Scottsdale Police Department. The other two men remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Investigators revealed that the facility had hired the workers to prepare a side column near the roof for bee removal scheduled to occur the following day. Authorities are currently unsure if the bee colony remains active in the area.
Bee experts suspect the attack involved Africanized bees, which constitute over 90% of Arizona’s bee population. Africanized bees, often referred to as “killer bees,” are highly aggressive and known to attack in large swarms when disturbed.