04-07-2025
Toddler fighting for his life after being stung 150 times in horror wasp swarm
Toddler Beckham Reed was critically injured after being stung more than 150 times by yellowjacket wasps while riding a toy vehicle on his family's property and accidentally disturbed a hidden nest
A two-year-old boy continues to fight for his life in intensive care after a freak accident involving a swarm of yellowjackets left him with over 150 stings and severe internal damage.
Little Beckham Reed was enjoying a summer day riding his electric toy vehicle around the family's Georgia home when he unknowingly disturbed a hidden yellojacket nest. In seconds, the toddler was engulfed by the aggressive insects - strung from head to toe in what his family described as a "horrific" attack. He was initially rushed to a local emergency room, where doctors treated him and discharged him with Benadryl, believing his breathing was stable. But the following day, Beckham's condition suddenly spiralled.
His skin turned yellow, and he was rushed to a second hospital - where doctors confirmed he was in full-blown multi-organ failure. His heart, liver, and kidneys were all shutting down. The toddler was urgently transferred to the Pediatric ICU at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, where doctors began life-saving treatment, including dialysis, ventilator support, and intense IV treatment.
Yellowjacket wasps can cause painful stings that can trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals, potentially leading to anaphylactic shock. They are also known for their aggressive behavior and ability to sting repeatedly. Tragically, there is no antivenom for yellowjacket stings - meaning Beckham's care is limited to keeping his organs functioning while his body slowly clears the venom.
His family say the ordeal has been a rollercoaster. Beckham has suffered setbacks in recent days, his family said in an update - including rising kidney toxicity and fluid build up around his lungs - forcing doctors to restart dialysis and give blood transfusions. Despite his dire condition, Beckham's loved-ones remain hopeful.
"We are so thankful for the nurses, doctors and all the staff at Memorial Savannah. They have been so great to Beckham and his parents. His care has been exceptional," the family wrote on a GoFundMe page. They thanked his nurse Erica, who "even came in on one of her days off to take care of Beckham".
The fundraiser, which has already exceeded $95,000 (around £70,000) was set up to help cover the mounting medical bills and living expenses while the family remains in Savannah. Supporters have flooded the page with encouragement as Beckham continues to fight through critical complications.
One wrote: "Our whole family, even our little boy Nino who is 3 years old, is deeply moved and we're sending lots of love, courage, and hugs from France to sweet Beckham."
Another wrote: "As a mom to three young kids, this story had me in instant tears. I hope more than anything your sweet Beckham improves and pulls through, and soon! I can't fathom anything worse in the whole entire universe than having my child go through something like this. My thoughts are especially with his parents; I'm sure they're struggling just as much (or more!) emotionally and mentally. Sending all the good health and positive vibes your family's way."
