Police officer who suffered bee sting dies

A Hatboro police officer who in October suffered a major anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting has died.

Officer Ryan Allen, a 35-yearold Quakertown native, died Thursday, borough officials announced.

“Although he fought long and hard, he ultimately could not overcome the damage done to his body as a result of the reaction,” police Chief James E. Gardner said in a post on the borough’s Facebook page. “The support for Officer Allen, his family and our police department in the months since that October day has been over

whelming.

“We are forever grateful for the love and support shown during this difficult time.”

Allen died surrounded by family and friends, Gardner said. The chief credited Allen with being instrumental in establishing the department’s first K9 unit and adding he was often seen with his K9 partner, Louie.

Though he had never had a previous allergic reaction to a bee sting, Allen suffered a heart attack and brain injury after the Oct. 7 incident. After first responders revived him following his heart attack, Allen spent seven weeks in intensive care, and then three months in hospital and rehabilitation settings.

An early March MRI scan showed major brain damage, from which he wasn’t expected to recover, and he was transferred to hospice care near the home he shared with his wife, Whitney, 35, and two young sons, Jackson and Leo.

“He was the funniest, most charming person,” Whitney Allen told The Morning Call during an interview last month. “He was handsome, witty, very smart. It was love at first sight for both of us. As I got to know him better, I came to appreciate his intelligence, kindness and lifelong ambition to pursue a law enforcement career. Being by his side as he realized his dream was an honor.”

An online fundraiser, “OFC Ryan Allen’s Return Home after Brain Injury,” has so far raised more than $137,000 of its $200,000 goal.

Allen joined the Hatboro Police Department in 2013. He served as a patrol officer and was a member of the Montgomery County Drug Task Force.

Officer Ryan Allen