A cyclist riding along the Sembawang Park Connector on the morning of 4 July 2022 was attacked by a swarm of hornets and subsequently passed away three days later. State Coroner Adam Nakhoda shared his findings on Ronnie Ang’s death on 13 September 2024, ruling the incident a tragic misadventure. Ang, 60, was cycling near the Sembawang God of Wealth Temple on Admiralty Street at around 11:40 am when he encountered the hornets. Despite being stung multiple times, he managed to cycle past the swarm and stopped at a nearby block to call his wife, mentioning he felt giddy and his throat was sore. His wife called for an ambulance and found him at 12:15 pm, giving him a drink as he complained of thirst and throat pain. Paramedics arrived shortly after and took Ang to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH). Despite treatment, Ang’s condition deteriorated, and he passed away around 7 am on 7 July 2022. His death was certified as multi-organ failure following an insect attack, with underlying ischaemic heart disease.
Background
Ang, who had a pre-existing heart condition and a stent inserted into an artery in 2014, showed no signs of an allergic reaction initially. However, blood tests revealed inflammatory cardiac, liver, and kidney markers indicative of respiratory failure. The medical team at KTPH started treatment to support his liver and kidney, but severe kidney injury due to toxins from the hornet stings affected his vital organs. Ang was warded in the intensive care unit, where he became drowsy and had to be sedated, intubated, and connected to a mechanical ventilator. Despite these measures, Ang’s condition continued to worsen, leading to his death.
Pre-existing heart disease “likely contributed to his death”
State Coroner Adam Nakhoda stated that Ang’s underlying heart disease likely contributed to his death and that the medical care provided was “reasonable.” Currently, there are no antidotes for general insect venom. However, the coroner noted that KTPH admitted in a letter to Ang’s daughter that communication with the family “could have been better.” The coroner advised the public to avoid getting close to hornet nests and to report sightings to the National Parks Board (NParks). He also extended his condolences to Ang’s family, who were present and visibly emotional during the hearing.
Hornets thought to have been disturbed by “predator”, usually not aggressive
The hornet nest was estimated to have been about 12 metres above ground and likely around for months before the incident. The lesser banded hornet species involved are usually not known to be aggressive. However, it is plausible that their nest had been disturbed by a predator, causing a chunk of it to fall and leading the hornets to become defensive. NParks officers had conducted two inspections along the park connector on 7 and 9 June 2022 but did not record any hornet activity. The nest was destroyed after the incident.
Related incidents
This tragic event is not isolated. In December 2022, a cyclist in Punggol was attacked by a wild boar, requiring stitches and surgery. In February 2024, another cyclist’s bicycle ran over a monitor lizard at Gardens by the Bay. These incidents highlight the potential dangers cyclists face from wildlife in Singapore’s park connectors and nature reserves. The authorities continue to advise caution and vigilance when encountering wildlife during outdoor activities.
