Montco Officer Who Suffered Heart Attack After Bee Sting Dies

HATBORO, PA — Ryan Allen, the local police officer who suffered a heart attack last fall after experiencing anaphylactic shock from a bee sting, has passed away.

Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner released the sad news late Thursday afternoon. Gardner said Allen died surrounded by his friends and family.

Allen, who was only in his mid-30s, was integral in starting the K9 Unit at the Hatboro Police Department.

His death was shocking due to his age, and the fact that he had never before had an allergic reaction to a bee sting.

After being stung, Allen suffered an allergic reaction, which subsequently caused him to go into cardiac arrest.

The lack of oxygen he suffered during the ordeal led to irreversible brain damage.

His wife, Whitney Allen, recently delivered the couple's second child. She had been keeping the community up to speed on her husband's prognosis during the months leading up to his death through semi-regular social media posts.

"Officer Allen will be deeply missed by not only his family, but by his brothers and sisters in law enforcement and our community," Gardner, the police chief, posted to Facebook late Thursday afternoon.

Gardner said that the support for Allen and his family, as well as the police department, in the months since the day Allen was stung by the bee back in October has been "overwhelming."

"We are forever grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time," Gardner wrote. "Service arrangements will be announced by Officer Allen's family once finalized. Again, thank you for your continued support. Rest easy Officer Allen, we'll take watch from here."

Previous Patch coverage on Allen can be found here.

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