Dudley gardener died after being stung by wasp
A landscape gardener collapsed and died after being stung by a wasp at his home in the Black Country, an inquest has heard.
Raymond Ross, aged 41, suffered face swelling and shortness of breath following the insect bite. He then collapsed and was attended to by emergency paramedics at his home in Dudley. On arrival the ambulance crew attempted to revive him and he was rushed to Russells Hall Hospital. But he was pronounced dead 20 minutes after they attended his address.
At Dudley Coroner's Court yesterday, Black Country coroner Robin Blamain opened an inquest into the Mayfield Road resident's death.
He read out evidence from consultant pathologist Dr Swapna Ghosh.
The pathologist said Mr Ross had 14 times the expected levels of mast cell tryptase in his blood – tryptase is involved with allergenic response in the body and a raised level can indicate an anaphylactic reaction.
Tests showed he had 200mg of mast cell tryptase per litre of blood. Normal levels range from two to 14mg per litre of blood.
Mr Balmain said: "The pathologist reports this was an extremely high level due to the bee or wasp venom."
He added: "He had been stung by a wasp at home and his face started to swell. He had shortness of breath and collapsed.
"Paramedics arriving attempted to resuscitate Mr Ross. But he was pronounced dead at 10.25pm."
The inquest heard how Mr Ross had regularly been bitten by insects as part of his job, but had never suffered health problems as a result.
Mr Balmain recorded a narrative verdict on his death. He said: "Mr Ross' death was due to an adverse reaction to an insect bite."
The incident happened on June 10.
Last year, well-known butcher Alan Foster, from Aldridge, died after being stung by a wasp. The pensioner, of Shelffield, owned a shop in the town High Street. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Walsall Manor Hospital.
