Toddler fights for life after 150 yellowjacket stings
- A 2-year-old boy in Georgia suffered more than 150 stings from yellowjackets after driving into their nest.
- He was treated initially but returned to the hospital due to severe symptoms including jaundice and multi-organ failure.
- Community support through fundraising efforts has provided financial assistance for his medical treatment and family support.
In late June 2025, a two-year-old boy named Beckham Reed was rushed to the hospital in Georgia after suffering a critical incident involving yellowjackets. While riding his electric toy vehicle in his yard, Beckham accidentally collided with a yellowjacket nest, which led to him being stung over 150 times. Initially, his parents took him to an emergency room where he received treatment including Benadryl for the stings and morphine for pain relief before being sent home. However, less than 24 hours later, his condition worsened as he began to turn yellow, prompting his parents to return him to the hospital. Upon arrival, medical staff identified Beckham's symptoms as multi-organ failure affecting his heart, liver, and kidney, crucially complicated by the fact that he was born with only one functioning kidney. Subsequent treatment for Beckham included transfer to the intensive care unit, where he was placed on a ventilator, started on dialysis, and received life-saving intravenous medications. His family launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $85,000 to help cover medical expenses and lost wages, as they have remained constant at Beckham's bedside during his recovery ordeal. The medical team expressed concern over the excessive venom input from the stings, noting that such multi-sting incidents can lead to severe health complications beyond mere allergic reactions. As updates to the GoFundMe indicated, Beckham has shown slight improvements, such as coming off the ventilator, though he still faces challenges with high kidney levels and fluid accumulation around his lungs. The family has been hopeful, sharing moments of joy like hearing Beckham's voice and seeing glimpses of his personality returning amid this difficult situation. This incident highlights the dangers posed by yellowjackets, known for their aggressive behavior when nests are disturbed. Yellowjackets tend to build their nests close to the ground, creating unexpected hazards, especially for young children playing outdoors. While the initial medical response was competent, the critical deterioration of Beckham's health serves as an alarming reminder of the potential severity of insect stings, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions. The ongoing support from the community and the family’s dedication to being by Beckham's side represent a poignant and heartwarming aspect of this challenging experience.