An American man and his teenage son tragically lost their lives after suffering multiple wasp stings while ziplining at an adventure camp in Laos. On October 15, 2023, Dan Owen, the director of an international school in Vietnam, and his son Cooper were attacked by a swarm of wasps at the Green Jungle Park, located near Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The incident occurred as they were descending from a tree at the end of the zip line. Following the attack, both were immediately taken to a local clinic before being transferred to Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital in critical condition. Dr. Jorvue Yianouchongteng, the emergency room physician who treated them, reported that they had been stung more than 100 times.
“The son was unconscious and passed away after half an hour, while the father was conscious and passed away about three hours later,” Dr. Yianouchongteng stated. He emphasized that both victims suffered from severe anaphylactic shock, though the precise cause of death had not yet been determined.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate that the attack involved wasps, but it remains unclear which specific species were responsible. Laos is home to various types of wasps, including the Asian giant hornet, often referred to as the “murder hornet” due to its aggressive nature toward other insects.
The local clinic where the Owen family received initial treatment declined to comment on the incident, and inquiries to Green Jungle Park went unanswered. The Laos Foreign Ministry also did not respond to requests for information. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department confirmed the deaths of two American citizens in Luang Prabang but has refrained from providing additional details “out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones.”
Community Response and Tributes
In the wake of this tragedy, Quality Schools International, where Dan Owen was employed, expressed deep sorrow in a Facebook post. The organization praised Owen for “touching countless lives” during his 18 years with the school network, which operates 35 institutions worldwide. At the time of his death, he was serving as the director of the QSI International School of Haiphong in Vietnam.
“Our community is profoundly impacted by this loss,” the statement read. “He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed. Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them.”
This unfortunate incident has raised awareness about the potential dangers associated with outdoor activities in regions known for diverse wildlife. As families and adventure-seekers continue to visit Laos, it underscores the importance of safety precautions when engaging in such pursuits.
