A LANDSCAPE gardener died suddenly after being stung by a wasp as he sat in his van, an inquest heard.

Mark Rex King, 46, of Farley Road, Salisbury, was a self-employed landscape gardener and was working in a garden in Middle Winterslow on July 29, at the time the incident happened. He was found dead in the van nearby.

A post mortem examination found a puncture wound and swelling on his left cheek and toxicology results were consistent with natural anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

His family said that he had suffered a reaction to a bee sting two years previously and his sister, Lynda Ireland, warned other people to take such reactions seriously.

She said: “It’s just a terrific shock that something so simple can take our brother from us. He will be greatly missed by all the family.”

She said since her brother’s death, they had heard from a lot of people who have had reactions to stings and she advised people to get tested if they have even a minor reaction.

“He wasn’t aware of it, he had one episode prior to this and probably didn’t think anything of it. As a family mourning the loss of our son and youngest brother we would urge anyone who has had a reaction to a sting or bite to get themselves tested.

“Be prepared and carry an Epipen. Mark has left a huge void in our lives which can never be filled, don’t let this happen to you.”

Mr King was born in Shrewton and went to Downton School. He was a keen sportsman, playing football for various local teams and playing darts at county level.

Next Wednesday would have been Mr King’s birthday and his friends and family are organising a charity memorial day to mark it next Saturday. The George and Dragon and the Royal George pubs have jointly organised football, darts and pool matches from 1pm at Harnham Football Club, as well as various raffles and an auction at the Royal George in Bedwin Street.

Anyone who knew Mr King is welcome and all the money will go to Cancer Research UK.

Verdict: natural causes.