A mother was killed by a sting after trying to save Britain's dwindling population of bees.
Alison Piercy, 47, started her hobby of beekeeping last year because she was worried about declining bee numbers in Britain.
But the receptionist's interest proved fatal as she was stung below the eye while tending a hive.
An inquest heard nephew Max Howe, 12, quickly removed the sting - but it was already too late.
Bee specialist Ken Rawlings, who was with Ms Piercy and Max, tried heart massage. But Alison was pronounced dead at hosptial from an allergic reaction.
The inquest heard the mother-of-one had been stung before, but might have been attacked by a different breed of bee in April while she was checking a hive in Connah's Quay, Flintshire.
North East Wales deputy coroner Kirit Champaneria said: 'On the first time you could be immune to the string but on the odd occasion you might get a hyper-sensitive reaction to it and your immune system goes into overdrive.'
A post-mortem examination showed she died from asphyxia caused by the bee sting.
Bee numbers across Britain have halved over the past 20 years - with experts blaming pesticides, climate change and diseaseMr Champaneria paid tribute to Max's efforts to save his aunt, saying: 'He did a great job and must miss her terribly.'
A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
Alison's daughter Michaela, 21, a student at Bangor University, said: 'She was a genuine and selfless person who would do anything to help others.
'She was the glue that held the family together and she will be sadly missed by us, her friends and colleagues.'
Bee numbers across Britain have halved over the past 20 years - with experts blaming pesticides, climate change and disease.
Her sister Susan said Miss Pierce and her nephew Max had taken their shared hobby seriously and planned to sell the honey locally.
Mrs Howe added: 'She was worried about the decline in the bee population and wanted to do something to help.
'Sadly, she died trying to save the bees.'
