Hiker airlifted off Arizona mountain after being stung over 100 times by bees

U.S. newsHiker airlifted off Arizona mountain after being stung over 100 times by beesThe hiker reported "over 100 stings" near the summit of Lookout Mountain Preserve in north Phoenix and was transferred to a hospital in critical condition. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Technical rescue teams from Phoenix and Glendale, Ariz. responded to a hiker stung multiple times by bees, on Sunday.Phoenix Fire DepartmentShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 5, 2026, 4:28 PM EDTBy Marlene LenthangA hiker was airlifted to safety from an Arizona mountain after he was stung over 100 times by bees over the weekend, officials said.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The hiker, described as an adult male, reported “over 100 stings” by bees near the summit of Lookout Mountain Preserve in north Phoenix Saturday morning, the Phoenix Fire Department said.The stings left him “unable to continue his descent,” fire officials said.Rescue teams from the Phoenix and Glendale responded and conducted a hoist operation to airlift the hiker from the mountain.He was transferred to an ambulance at the trailhead, and on to the hospital, in critical condition, the fire department said.The fire department warned hikers to avoid disturbing hives, scented products, and to wear light-colored clothing when exploring the outdoors.“If you encounter a swarm — run away quickly and protect your head and face,” the fire department said. ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMarlene LenthangMarlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.Joe Kottke contributed.