An American Man and His Son Die After Wasp Attack in Laos
Dan Owen, an American and director of an international school in Vietnam, and his teenage son Cooper tragically died last month after being attacked by a swarm of wasps while ziplining in Laos. The incident occurred on October 15 at Green Jungle Park near Luang Prabang, a city known for its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Details of the Incident
While descending from a tree at the end of the zip line, the pair were stung dozens of times by the insects. They were first taken to a local clinic and then transferred to Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital in critical condition, according to emergency room physician Jorvue Yianouchongteng.
“The son was unconscious and passed away after half an hour, while the father was conscious and passed away about three hours later. We tried our best to save them but we couldn't.”
Medical Cause and Wasp Species
The doctor explained that both suffered from severe anaphylactic shock after being stung more than 100 times, although the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed. The Asian giant hornet, sometimes called the “murder hornet” due to its ferocious behavior toward other insects, is native to Laos, alongside several other wasp species.
Location Context
- Green Jungle Park: adventure camp where the incident occurred
- Luang Prabang: a popular tourist city and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995
These tragic deaths highlight the risks associated with wildlife encounters in adventure tourism.