Overview

• Laurent Duval, 54, died on September 8 in Monsures after four stings to the neck triggered an anaphylactic shock, according to his partner.
• He was talking with a municipal employee beside raspberry bushes that concealed a nest when the hornets attacked.
• The municipal worker was stung on the arm, which complicated his attempt to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Duval.
• Apiarist Emmanuel Andrieu said the species reacts aggressively when a nest is disturbed and noted local reports of the victim’s recent cardiac issues and diabetes.
• Local outlets report multiple nests destroyed in Monsures this year, and the July death of a 67-year-old in Fismes has already spurred municipal subsidies for private nest removals in affected areas.