COAL TOWNSHIP - Kevin Collins, head coach of the varsity girls basketball team at Southern Columbia Area, died Tuesday after having been stung by a bee.
Collins was playing golf with a friend and after returning to his home on West Independence Street, was stung by a bee on his foot while he was retrieving his clubs from a car.
He planned to go swimming and had changed clothing, but afterward had fallen ill and became unresponsive.
A call was placed to 911 at 2:30 p.m., and AREA Services Ambulance responded.
A short time later he passed away.
Jeff Deitz was playing golf with Collins and was at his home when he became ill.
He called his late friend a "great coach" and a "great man."
"Anyone who knew Kevin is at a great loss right now," Deitz said.
"From a coaching standpoint, anyone who played for him is definitely a better person for it."
Collins had completed his first season as head coach for the girls varsity team in 2012-13. Prior to that, he had been an assistant for the boys varsity team. He had also previously coached volleyball at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.
He is survived by a wife, Lori, and five children.