Man stung by bees 2,000 times at Sun City West golf course

SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. - A maintenance worker is in critical condition after he was stung more than 2,000 times on Saturday at a Sun City West golf course, fire officials said.

Arizona Fire and Medical Authority crews had to use foam to subdue the bees at Pebblebrook Golf Course. When firefighters initially approached the man, he was covered in bees.

"We thought it was grass clippings on his face but as we got closer, we realized those were actually bees," said a crew member.

The maintenance worker was taken to a hospital where he remains intubated.

Firefighters say it's not clear what led up to the incident, but it appears the maintenance worker somehow disturbed the bee hive, prompting the attack.

A beekeeper was called to take care of the remaining bees.

AFMA says it has responded to six bee incidents this year. Last year, they responded to 15 incidents.

"While it isn't common for bees to attack, if their hive is disturbed it is possible," the department said. "If you find yourself in this situation getting to shelter should be the number one priority."

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