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Incident Record

Landscape lighting worker Franco Galvan Martinez killed after disturbing hive while suspended in tree harness

Franco Galvan Martinez, 53, was killed after disturbing a beehive while working in a tree at an Austin home. Reports say he was attached to a harness, kicked away the ladder during the attack, and remained suspended while co-workers were unable to reach him without being stung. Firefighters used hoses to clear bees, and Austin Code was assigned to inspect the property.

Record ID: TX-TRAVIS-2022-0519
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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 5/19/2022
Location Austin, Travis County, TX
State TX
Record Type Public Source / Worker Fatality
Trigger / Activity Tree Work / Landscaping / Brush Clearing
Severity Fatality
Bee ID Status Bee ID Unknown
Aggression Classification High Defensive Response / Mass Stinging

Incident Summary

Franco Galvan Martinez, 53, was killed after disturbing a beehive while working in a tree at an Austin home. Reports say he was attached to a harness, kicked away the ladder during the attack, and remained suspended while co-workers were unable to reach him without being stung. Firefighters used hoses to clear bees, and Austin Code was assigned to inspect the property.

Public-Safety Lesson

Tree work, elevated work, harness use, and hidden colonies can create a rescue trap. Outdoor contractors need bee-hazard awareness and a plan for escape/rescue before working around trees, eaves, walls, or known bee activity.

Impact Flags

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

Source Information

Source: The Independent / Univision / Tres Hewell Mortuary

Source Strength: B