Local Man Dies From Bee Sting

A South Kingstown man died Friday after he was stung by a bee.

Brian Sullivan, 50, was riding his bicycle on Ministerial Road with his wife when a bee stung his forehead, said Evelyn Audet, his sister-in-law, in a statement. Sullivan, who was allergic to bees, gave himself an EpiPen shot and took Benadryl, but he went into anaphylactic shock. He died a few days later at South County Hospital.

“We are all devastated,” Audet said. “He was a beautiful, strong, happy man.”

In addition to his wife, Sullivan left behind five daughters. He was a graduate of East Providence High School and owned an upholstery business in Narragansett.

About 100 Americans die from bee stings each year, according to Boston Children’s Hospital.

Audet said after the sting, Sullivan went into cardiac arrest and was transported to South County Hospital. He was placed in an induced coma but never recovered. Audet said Sullivan received “wonderful” care at the hospital.

Sullivan was an organ donor and several of his organs were donated.

“We are all proud and find some soothing for our broken hearts in the fact he is still being the kind, caring giver that he was in life,” Audet said.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Church in Kingston.

Photo: Brian Sullivan. (Credit: Avery-Storti Funeral Home)