A freak bee sting accident killed Northern California cyclist Phil Heiman as he was warming up for the Rockville Cyclocross race on 3 November in the city of Fairfield.

Just one day after turning 69, Heiman was doing what he always did, jumping in and helping out the sport. He was checking out the race course for the organizer and warming up when he apparently swallowed a bee and was stung.

Soon his throat started to swell and he began to have trouble clearing his throat. Heiman then went to the medical tent onsite, where staff told him to go for emergency care, which he proceeded to do.

But Heiman never made it to the emergency room.

He collapsed near his automobile, throat swollen shut and unable to breathe. Bystanders quickly called emergency paramedics to give life-saving aid, but Heiman was without oxygen for approximately 20 minutes before they arrived. He was then transported to UC Davis Medical Center, but never regained consciousness and was on end-of-life care until he passed away.

NOTE: An EpiPen, an auto-injector that quickly and simply delivers a dose of life-saving epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions like Heiman’s, is an inexpensive device that outdoor event organizers and participants should consider always having on hand.

For many years the always smiling multi-discipline masters racer was a prominent supporter of amateur cycling in Northern California, where he organized races, training rides, youth cycling and led the Colavate-NorCal regional team.

“Phil was a constant staple in helping us,” Javier Sanchez told The Press Democrat. “He was always there early to help set up the course, he raced and then he stayed late to help tear it down. He helped for so many years.”

His son, Phillip Heiman, added, “He went out on a high,” doing what he loved.

Photo Credit: Heiman family

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