Bee attack claims life of Central Texas man

A longtime Moody resident died Friday after he was attacked by a swarm of bees.

The attack occurred at around 1 p.m. in the 700 block of 2nd Street in Moody as Edward Hohhertz, 66, was doing a favor for a friend by mowing their overgrown yard, according to Moody police.

He called his wife as the bees attacked him.

Police say she found him in the yard but had to run because the bees were so aggressive.

First-responders were also initially unable to reach Hohhertz because of the size of the swarm.

McGregor firefighters, who carry bee suits on their trucks, were finally able to remove him from the yard, but not without getting stung.

A beekeeper was called in to contain the swarm, which police say, he located inside the home they believed was vacant.

It's believed the bees came out through a hole in the wall, agitated by the lawn mower.

McLennan County Sheriff's deputies came to assist Moody PD.

Most everyone who responded was also stung.

The Justice of the Peace for Pct. 4, Brian Richardson, was called the scene.

"From just the appearance--there are hundreds, or more, bee stings on his body," said Richardson.

Richardson ruled the death an accident.

"Unfortunately he passed away and he was highly allergic, as I've been told," said Richardson. "I don't know a lot about bees: I do now that they're attracted and agitated by noises, and I do know that if you are highly allergic to them, I would keep some Benadryl or an EpiPen if you have it available."

City of Moody officials released a statement on the tragedy, warning about outside dangers.

"As weather warms and families go to the outdoors, we must all be aware that we coexist with nature and nature’s creatures; some who are not friendly," said William A. Sterling, Moody City Administrator. "As my entire community mourns this loss, our hearts go out to the family."