An American teacher and his teenage son have died after being attacked by a swarm of hundreds of hornets while zip lining in Laos. Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son Cooper were on holiday at an eco-adventure resort near Luang Prabang when the incident occurred on 15 October.
The pair were trying to descend from a tree when they were attacked by what are believed to be Asian giant hornets. Their bodies were 'covered in red spots' after the attack, according to a doctor at the Phakan Arocavet Clinic where they were taken. The doctor said he had never seen such a severe case, with over 100 stings covering their bodies.
Despite arriving at the clinic conscious and showing no signs of anaphylactic shock, the father and son died hours later after being transferred to Luang Prabang provincial hospital. Daniel Owen was the director of QSI International School in Haiphong, Vietnam, and had been with the organisation for 18 years.
The school expressed deep sadness at the loss, describing Owen as a dedicated educator who touched countless lives. Tributes from former colleagues and pupils highlighted his warmth and commitment to helping others. The Green Jungle Park, where the incident occurred, extended its condolences and said it had reviewed all procedures.
Asian giant hornets, the world's largest, are native to parts of Asia and have spread to Europe, including the UK. Their venom is particularly potent, and they are responsible for dozens of deaths annually. The US embassy in Laos confirmed the deaths, and the British Beekeepers Association noted that the danger of stings varies per individual.
