Mayor Dies Wasp Attack: Anaphylactic Shock After Wasp Attack Kills La Prairie Mayor, 51

A mayor died after a wasp attack caused her to go into anaphylactic shock. According to CNN, 51-year-old Lucie Roussel — the mayor of La Prairie in Canada — was on vacation when she got attacked by a swarm of wasps. Despite not being allergic to bees, Roussel’s body could not take the number of stings that she received. According to CNN, Roussel served as mayor since 2003. She was taking classes to become a lawyer.

Extremely well-liked and respected, Roussel’s passing was heartbreaking for so many people. A former colleague of Roussel, Reine Hebert, spoke out about the tragedy and the terrible loss.

“I’m thinking about her family. They lost their father a few years ago. You can’t do that to the family. I mean it’s so sad. It’s sad for the people, it’s sad for her two children, for the whole city.”

The mayor who died in the wasp attack was called “well-respected, wonderful, and fair.” Naturally it is hard when anyone passes away, but these freak accidents or deaths that are so random and/or unexpected are super hard to deal with. Several people have voiced their condolences on social media.

This isn’t the first time that someone was killed after being attacked by wasps or bees. In fact, giant hornets in China reportedly killed over two dozen people and injured hundreds more. As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the hornets actually chased their victims, stinging some over 30 times.

According to Medicinenet, bee and wasp stings can cause multiple reactions, some severe and some not. There can be a localized reactions (itching, swelling, redness) or whole-body reactions which can lead to anaphylactic shock and death. People who are allergic to bees usually carry Epinephrine with them. Those who have been stung several times should seek medical attention, because anything can happen even if a person isn’t allergic to bees.

“Bee and wasp stings can cause significant reactions, ranging from localized pain and swelling to serious and even potentially fatal conditions. At least 40 deaths occur each year in the U.S. as a result of serious anaphylactic sting reactions.”

The mayor who died in the wasp attack is survived by her two children, Constance, 20, and Antonin, 19. Funeral arrangements have not been made, as the family is likely in shock and trying to make sense of everything. Obviously it is a very devastating time for them all.

[Photo courtesy of TC Media – Joëlle Bergeron via lereflet.qc.ca]