Autopsy unable to tell if insect stings caused man's death

Autopsy results are inconclusive in the death of Bruce Madiar, 62, who was found Monday outside his Roselle home after apparently trying to clear an insect hive from his property.

The Cook County medical examiner's office said the autopsy is complete but a cause of death cannot be determined without further study. A spokesman said that could involve consulting additional doctors, and a final determination could take several weeks.

Madiar was discovered Monday night outside his home on the 500 block of Dee Lane. He died later at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. On Tuesday, medical examiner officials said preliminary findings showed he suffered “multiple” stings from bees, wasps or hornets, as well as some swelling.

But Roselle police reports said officers did not initially spot any stings or swelling on Madiar, although officials confirmed he was found near a can of insect repellent. Police said it was “too early” to conclude insect stings caused Madiar's death.

Madiar's wife told police she did not think he was allergic, according to police reports. Bee, wasp or hornet sting deaths due to allergies are rare. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only about two of every 1,000 people is allergic.

The Madiar family declined interviews and released a statement through a spokesman to address the death of Bruce, a former locksmith who was a father of three and grandfather of five.

“We are grateful for overwhelming support from family, friends and neighbors — a testament to Bruce's extraordinary strength, character and generosity,” the family said.

Former colleague Ray Dean called Madiar “a dear friend,” after working with him for an ironworkers local where Madiar recently stepped down as president after nine years.

Until his retirement last year, Madiar had worked as a master locksmith for Cook County since 1993. His peers elected him president of Local Union 63 International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, and he remained involved with the union during retirement.

“He was very intelligent, articulate and had a very open mind in dealing with the members,” Dean said.

In retirement, Madiar had hoped to build a home and move to New Buffalo, Mich., where he had many friends and family he loved to visit each summer, Dean said.

A wake for Madiar will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at Salerno's Rosdale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St. Roselle. A prayer service begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Walter Catholic Church, 130 W. Pine Ave., Roselle. Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 1S510 Winfield Road, Wheaton.