[Faline]

A doting father died after he was bitten by a fly while he was watching his teenage daughter ride her pony.

Ex-rugby player Andy Batty, 48, collapsed in a field in front of Catherine, 17, after he had a massive allergic reaction.

He went into anaphylactic shock and died before paramedics could reach him. He was an engineer at a garage and his boss, Keith Iszard, said: “Andy was 6ft tall and very broad. He could lift any weight.

“We couldn’t believe that a small fly could knock him down. His death has come as a massive shock. He was a jolly giant.”

Andy had three other children, James, Michael and Rachel, from a first marriage, and Catherine from a second relationship.


He was in a field with Catherine and pony Bess near their home in Brixham, Devon, when the bloodsucking horsefly bit him.

Friends at Brixham Rugby Club, where Andy was a steward, were stunned by his death.

Club chairman Chris Forster said: “Andy’s death is very sad. I spoke to his daughter who he was *absolutely devoted to. It is very raw for her. She is in shock.

“Andy always did what he could to help. He was very well-liked. Everyone at the club has been saddened by the news.”

Heartbroken Catherine was said to be being comforted by friends and family yesterday.

Horseflies are widely regarded as pests because their bites can carry diseases and parasites.

The saliva can cause a reaction, such as dizziness, infection or swelling, but it is rarely fatal.

[durt]

same effect as a bee sting for someone who's allergic

[Megamel29]

That's crazy. I didn't know that was possible. How awful.

[kellyhound]

i know from experience these bites are nasty but never heard someone got an allergic reaction from it that caused death
A very severe histamine reaction i guess