A flag will fly at half-mast in Ballan, the hometown of a young gardener killed by a swarm of bees while working for Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel.
Tributes are flowing for “all-round great guy” Steven “Tangles” Tingate, who died last Wednesday morning after being attacked and stung multiple times in a produce garden run by the award-winning hotel.
Co-workers tried to revive him and an ambulance was called to the MacArthur Street property, but he died at the scene.
In Ballan, the bowling club said its members had the “heaviest of hearts” and would be flying the Australian flag at half-mast.
“We are all saddened to hear of your passing, and hope you rest peacefully,” the club posted on Facebook.
“RIP Buddy.”
The club will run a raffle night with all proceeds going to Mr Tingate’s family.
The Ballan Football Netball Club posted that the community would feel a big loss.
“You will be sorely missed by so many, young man,” the club said.
Friend Taylor Bryant also took to social media to post a tribute.
“What sad news. RIP mate, was a pleasure to know you,” he wrote.
Mr Tingate moved to the southern Grampians town a year ago and had told people he loved his new job.
The Royal Mail Hotel is one of the state’s most popular dining destinations.
General manager Mark Whitnell said the thoughts of everyone connected with the business were with their colleague’s loved
ones.
“Tonight (Wednesday) our new restaurant … will not operate,” he said. “This is to pay respect to the family and friends and in support of our team.”
Mr Tingate’s death is being investigated by WorkSafe.
A University of Melbourne study into venomous bites and stings published in January found that hornets, wasps and bees had caused 27 deaths in Australia in the past 13 years.
About 42,000 people had been hospitalised due to venomous bites and stings in the same period, with a third of those for bee stings.
Dr Ronelle Welton, from the University of Melbourne, said many people did not know they could have allergic reactions to bee venom.
“The only cause of death historically from bee stings is from anaphylaxis due to the bee venom,” she said.
“The bee venom itself is very limited, but it’s our body’s reaction to it that’s the key thing.”
Dr Welton said tests to discover bee venom allergies were available and the allergy could be successfully treated.
– The Age
