An expectant father from Tennessee has died just weeks before the birth of his second son following an allergic reaction to a wasp sting.
Matt Johnson, 40, was out checking his duck blind in a remote part of West Memphis when the incident occurred.
He managed to administer his EpiPen and call an ambulance before walking somewhere to be picked up.
The devoted dad developed an allergy to wasps in adulthood, his friend Patrick Weddling told 6News.
Expectant father Matt Johnson died just weeks before the birth of his second son following an allergic reaction to a wasp sting
Read More
Major shipping company that hauls for US Postal Service abruptly shuts down
‘They were out in the middle of nowhere, so they were trying to get somewhere to meet the ambulance, and they did find them, thankfully, but I think he was unconscious when he got into the ambulance.’
He has now set up a GoFundMe to help cover expenses for his wife Ashton and their children Rhett, three, and unborn son Cole who is due to arrive in three weeks.
‘Matt was loved by so many people as he had a huge heart and made friends with anyone he met,’ Weddling said.
‘His personality would light up a room. He loved Ashton and Rhett so much and was the best father.
‘His bond with Rhett was unmatched, except for their matching outfits.’
His neighbor Stephanie White also paid tribute to the late father
Johnson, 40, was out checking his duck blind in a remote part of West Memphis when the incident occurred. He leaves behind his wife Ashton, son Rhett and his unborn child Cole
Johnson developed an allergy to wasp stings as an adult and carried an EpiPen, but it was not enough to save him
‘Matt was one of the very best! He rounded out our crew and we truly don’t know how to do life without him,’ she said.
‘He was a great neighbor and friend […] he was a great big teddy bear to my kiddo and he will truly be missed.’
Johnson co-owned trucking company Southern Xpress. His loved ones planned to hold a celebration of his life after Cole’s birth.
So far, the fundraiser has racked up more than $30,000 in donations.
‘It’s great. People are just so generous and he would be the first one to donate to something like this himself,’ Weddling added.
‘So, I think things like that come back when you treat people right your whole life and have people’s back that it comes back. I’m not surprised at all.’