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Incident Record

Oil field worker dies of cardiac event after forklift disturbs bee-infested tool shed

A 59-year-old manager and three coworkers at McVay Drilling Co. were walking toward a tool shed being relocated by forklift when the lift disturbed a hidden bee colony. The employee suffered multiple stings, convulsed, and collapsed. EMS could not revive him; cause of death was a heart attack triggered by the stings. One other employee was stung but not hospitalized.

Record ID: NM-LEA-2024-0801
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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 8/1/2024
Location Tank-1 Federal #2 Well Site, near Maljamar, NM (32.46126, -103.43304), Lea County, NM
State NM
Record Type Occupational Fatality / Stinging Incident
Trigger / Activity Construction / Equipment / Structural Work
Severity Fatality
Bee ID Status Bee ID Unknown
Aggression Classification Severe defensive attack

Incident Summary

A 59-year-old manager and three coworkers at McVay Drilling Co. were walking toward a tool shed being relocated by forklift when the lift disturbed a hidden bee colony. The employee suffered multiple stings, convulsed, and collapsed. EMS could not revive him; cause of death was a heart attack triggered by the stings. One other employee was stung but not hospitalized.

Public-Safety Lesson

Oil-field and equipment-relocation work can disturb hidden colonies in sheds or structures; bee-risk awareness is not limited to landscaping or agriculture.

Impact Flags

Human Fatality Yes
Human Hospitalized No (died at scene despite EMS)
Animal Fatality No
Responder Involved Yes - EMS responded, unable to revive

Source Information

Source: OSHA / New Mexico Environment Dept. Occupational Health & Safety Bureau

Source Strength: A - Official / Government