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Incident Record

Georgetown man stung more than 1,000 times; multiple rescuers also stung

J.C. Johnson, 86, was reportedly stung more than 1,000 times after disturbing a large hive while mowing. His son, a police officer, and an emergency worker were also stung or treated. UPI identified the bees as Africanized.

Record ID: TX-WILLIAMSON-1994-09XX
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 September 1994
Location Georgetown, TX, Williamson County, TX
State TX
Record Type Historical News Report
Trigger / Activity Mowing / Yard Work
Severity Critical
Bee ID Status Confirmed Africanized
Aggression Classification Severe defensive attack

Incident Summary

J.C. Johnson, 86, was reportedly stung more than 1,000 times after disturbing a large hive while mowing. His son, a police officer, and an emergency worker were also stung or treated. UPI identified the bees as Africanized.

Public-Safety Lesson

Mass-stinging attacks can endanger both the initial victim and people who attempt rescue, including police and emergency workers.

Impact Flags

Human Fatality No
Human Hospitalized Yes
Animal Fatality No
Responder Involved Police / Emergency Worker

Source Information

Source: Deseret News / UPI report

Source Strength: B