Five years since wasp sting claims life of Roanoke County man

A local woman reflects on a freak incident that took her husband’s life.
   
Five years ago Thursday, 37-year-old Tommie “Bruce” Hall died after going into shock from a wasp sting.
   
Hall’s family tells us he didn’t even know he was allergic to wasps.
 
He left behind his wife, Jennifer, a 2-year-old son and a baby on the way.

Wednesday, his family wanted to send a positive message in memory of the life they lost.

“In some ways it seems like it was yesterday and in some ways it seems like its been forever,” explained Jennifer.
   
It’s been five years that have seen ups and downs.
   
Jennifer was pregnant with their second child when Bruce suddenly died.  He’s now heading to school, while her oldest boy asks about his father almost everyday.

“He’s six, but it’s still hard to try to make him understand,” she said.

Jennifer says she takes her two boys to the cemetery to spend time with their dad. 

She says his sudden death has changed the way she parents.

“They go to my parents a lot and stay for a couple of days and I’m constantly calling over there two or three times a day to check on them.”

However, probably the biggest change she’s made is her attention to the kids’ surroundings…mainly wasps.

This mother, who’s been through so much, wants the world to know life can change in the blink of an eye.

“You have to value every minute, because you never know when it’s going to be your last,” Jennifer said.

On this fifth anniversary she’s pleading to the public during these summer months to pay attention.

“If you see a bee’s nest or bees going in and out of somewhere take the time to try to find where they’re coming from.”
   
Advice she regretfully learned too late.