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PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say two hikers who were attacked by thousands of bees at a popular recreation area in Phoenix are lucky to be alive after another man died in a 60-foot fall while trying to fend off the swarm.

Fire officials say the three men were attacked about 3:45 p.m. Monday on a trail near Ice Box Canyon. The two survivors, ages 18 and 20, hid in a small crevice until rescuers arrived and airlifted them to safety.

Paramedics say the third man, 19-year-old Joshua Ruzsa, was pronounced dead at the scene in the Echo Canyon area of Camelback Mountain, likely killed in the fall after suffering hundreds of stings.

Authorities say the two survivors remain hospitalized in stable condition Tuesday after being stung at least 300 times each.

Their names weren't immediately released.