Are we sure these were honeybees? A lot of folks use “bee” to describe any kind of stinging, swarming insects. I haven’t seen a wild honeybee hive in years and years, but I’ve seen plenty of Yellow Jacket hives.
People can’t tell the difference between wasps, hornets, and honeybees.
If it was hanging in a tree where he could get to it, it was a hornets nest. The bald head variety are the absolute worst. Yellow jackets (ground hornets) rank second.
I am assuming it was NOT a honey bee. They won’t sting unless extremely provoked. I am thinking yellow jackets - which will sting someone just for the fun of it.