Near the southern border, a routine day turned into a nightmare for a beekeeper named Richard. What began as a sudden swarm of Africanized honey bees, commonly referred to as “killer bees,” ended in tragedy and left him fighting for his life.
Killer bees are known for their intense swarming behavior and are capable of pursuing perceived threats far longer than most species. When they attacked his dog, Gretta, Richard stepped in without hesitation, putting himself between her and the danger.
Although he had years of experience working around hives, nothing could have prepared him for what happened next. The bees quickly shifted their fury to him, covering his body and delivering hundreds of stings. By the time the swarm was dispersed, he had endured close to 500 stings. Despite all he did, Gretta did not survive the attack.
The following hours were filled with chaos and urgency. Emergency teams arrived on scene, working quickly to stabilize Richard before rushing him toward medical help in the United States. His son, Stephen Mockabee, witnessed the ordeal and recalled the moment with painful clarity.
“It was a miracle getting my dad back to the US border,” he said. The image of his father, unconscious and slumped in the vehicle, is something he admits will stay with him forever.
“You never see your parents in a terrible light. It’s always in a good, heroic area. But seeing him passed out definitely weighs a lot on me.”
Richard was eventually transferred to a California rehabilitation center, where his recovery has been long and difficult. The stings caused severe complications, and he has needed therapy for even the most basic functions. Walking across a room, eating a meal, or regaining his ability to speak have all required tremendous effort and patience.
Yet, beyond the physical injuries, the emotional impact has been the hardest. Gretta was his loyal companion, and the reality of her loss has been devastating. Stephen explained that breaking the news to his father was one of the most painful parts of the ordeal.
“It was very hard to tell him as he was trying to recover and actually use his voice and trying to eat again. He was asking where his dog was.”
Two months after the incident, Richard continues to make progress, but the road ahead remains uncertain. Stephen has expressed gratitude for the medical staff helping his father and has asked for continued support from the community.
Richard and Gretta’s bond will never be broken, no matter the outcome. He risked his life to save hers, and even though she didn’t make it, he is still a hero.
