An American Man and Son Die from Wasp Stings While Ziplining in Laos
An American man and his teenage son tragically passed away last month after being attacked by a swarm of wasps during a ziplining activity at an adventure camp in Laos. They were stung numerous times as they descended from a tree at the end of the zip line.
Dan Owen, the director of an international school in Vietnam, and his son Cooper were stung more than 100 times on October 15 at Green Jungle Park, an adventure camp near Luang Prabang—a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
After the attack, they were initially treated at a local clinic before being transferred to Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital in critical condition. Emergency room physician Jorvue Yianouchongteng described the situation:
“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.”
Both suffered severe anaphylactic shock caused by the multiple stings, although the precise cause of death remains undetermined. The infamous Asian giant hornet, often called the “murder hornet” for its aggressive nature toward other insects, is present in Laos, alongside various other wasp species.
Location and Incident Details
- Incident occurred at Green Jungle Park, near Luang Prabang, Laos.
- Luang Prabang is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Both victims stung more than 100 times, leading to critical condition and death.
Medical Response
- Initial treatment at local clinic, followed by transfer to provincial hospital.
- Emergency physician confirmed severe anaphylactic shock from multiple stings.
- Attempts to save the victims were ultimately unsuccessful.
Wasp Species
The Asian giant hornet, known as the “murder hornet” for its hostility to other insects, inhabits Laos along with other wasp species, posing dangers to humans in rare but severe cases.
Summary: An American man and his son died after being stung over 100 times by wasps while ziplining in Laos; they succumbed to severe anaphylactic shock despite urgent medical care.