Golf Course Groundskeeper Dead After Freak Animal Attack

An Arizona groundskeeper died last month in a "tragic workplace accident" after he was attacked by a swarm of animals.

A groundskeeper at an Arizona golf course tragically died earlier this week after a freak animal attack.

At 7:17 a.m. on June 24, authorities were summoned to an area around the eighth hole of the Pusch Ridge Course at the El Conquistador Golf Club in Oro Valley, a spokesperson for the town’s police department told U.S.A. Today. 57-year-old Rick Messina had been mowing the patch of green when he was suddenly set upon by a swarm of angry bees, which stung him repeatedly.

Messina was transported to a local hospital, where he tragically died on June 27. In a statement, El Conquistador Golf called Messina’s death a “tragic workplace accident” and revealed that he died from “complications of bee stings.”

After the attack, El Conquistador employees inspected each of the 45 holes at the golf club, finding no evidence of bees or hives in any of them. “It appears Rick was attacked by a traveling swarm of bees,” the club said in its statement.

Messina had worked on the club’s agronomy team since July 2022. “Rick was a dedicated and cherished member of our team, known for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to his duties,” the club said. “El Conquistador Golf and Indigo Sports has deployed support resources to both Rick’s family and our team to help all navigate through this difficult time.”

In a separate note sent to El Conquistador members, obtained by KOLD News, the club noted, “Rick was a dedicated and cherished member of our team, known for his exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to his duties. His sudden passing is a profound loss to our work family and our community. He will be deeply missed by all.”

The town of Oro Valley issued a statement reminding residents “to be mindful of the wildlife and venomous creatures in our region. Summer is peak season for bee swarms, so please remain vigilant.”

This isn’t the first time a swarm of bees has made headlines this year, especially in Arizona. On April 30, a handsome beekeeper went viral in the state for his heroic handling of a swarm that held up a Diamondbacks game. Earlier this week, actor Matthew McConaughey showed off a horrifying facial bee sting of his own.