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Incident Record

70-year-old landscaper hospitalized after central Phoenix bee attack

Phoenix Fire reported a man was stung multiple times near 7th Street and Thomas Road and transported to the hospital. Follow-up reporting identified the victim as a 70-year-old landscaper clearing weeds who was hospitalized for nearly a week after dozens of stings.

Record ID: AZ-MARICOPA-2026-0411
This record is part of a first-pass incident research dataset. Records, categories, and source notes may be updated as additional information is reviewed and verified.
Date 4/11/2026
Location Central Phoenix / 7th Street and Thomas Road, AZ, Maricopa County, AZ
State AZ
Record Type Attack / Hospitalization
Trigger / Activity Mowing / Yard Work
Severity Hospitalized
Bee ID Status Bee ID Unknown
Aggression Classification Defensive Swarm / Mass Stinging

Incident Summary

Phoenix Fire reported a man was stung multiple times near 7th Street and Thomas Road and transported to the hospital. Follow-up reporting identified the victim as a 70-year-old landscaper clearing weeds who was hospitalized for nearly a week after dozens of stings.

Public-Safety Lesson

Outdoor work can expose workers to hidden defensive colonies. Yard crews need a plan for bee incidents, including retreat routes, communication, and emergency response.

Impact Flags

Human Fatality No
Human Hospitalized Yes
Animal Fatality No
Responder Involved Yes

Source Information

Source: 12News

Source Strength: B - Established News / Officials Quoted