A 67-year-old man, Lennox Luke, called “Mikey”, of Kitty, Georgetown, died today after he was reportedly attacked by a swarm of bees while cleaning land at Enterprise backlands, East Coast Demerara.
Police said the incident occurred between 09:30 and 10:45 hrs and involved Luke and Selwyn Deane, a 29-year-old construction worker, also of Kitty.
According to investigators, Luke, who owned the land, had gone to the location with Deane to clear the area and erect a fence when a large swarm of bees suddenly emerged and attacked them. Deane ran forward to escape, while Luke ran backwards, fell to the ground, and was swarmed by the bees.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and personnel from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) were contacted and “smoked” the area before assisting, with the help of public-spirited citizens, in placing Luke into a motor lorry, registration GAD 5904.
He was taken in an unconscious state to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he received treatment but was pronounced dead at about 11:20 hrs.
Police said marks were observed on his back, forearm, and the back of his head. The body is at Jerricks Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
The scene was photographed, and statements were taken as investigations continue.
