Simon Quirk died on Monday night after reportedly being stung by the insect while consuming a can of drink at the Wymah Valley Retreat at Bowna.

Police said the 54-year-old had been sipping on the can during Monday afternoon when he spat out a bee which had apparently been inside the container.

Several hours later, Mr Quirk was found dead outside his campfire with an ambulance spokeswoman saying he had already passed away when paramedics arrived at the resort at 7.50pm.

Police said Mr Quirk, who comes from the small community of Dockers Plains just north of Wangaratta, was known to have an allergy to bee stings.