Tragic Accident: Father and Son Killed by Swarm of Hornets While Ziplining
A father and his teenage son tragically lost their lives after being attacked by a swarm of so-called "murder hornets" during a vacation in Laos. The deadly incident occurred on October 15 while they were ziplining at Green Jungle Park near Luang Prabang.
Incident Details
According to reports, Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son Cooper were stung hundreds of times by insects believed to be Asian giant hornets. A media source cited that they were overwhelmed by the swarm “as they struggled to descend from a tree.”
Statements from Authorities
"Green Jungle Park has never experienced a serious injury among guests or staff members since opening ten years ago,"
stated the park’s management in an official response obtained by PEOPLE magazine.
Owen, originally from Idaho, served as the director of QSI International School in Haiphong, Vietnam. The school confirmed his passing in a public Facebook statement honoring his contributions and leadership.
About the Asian Giant Hornet
The Washington State Department of Agriculture describes the Asian giant hornet, also known as the northern or Japanese giant hornet, as the largest hornet species in the world. The agency explains that while these insects rarely attack humans or pets, they can become aggressive if disturbed.
"Their stinger is longer than that of a honey bee and their venom is more toxic. They can also sting repeatedly,"
the department warns on its website.
Summary
Daniel Owen and his son Cooper died in Laos after an Asian giant hornet swarm attack while ziplining, highlighting the rare but lethal risks of wildlife encounters in tropical regions.
Author’s summary: A family vacation in Laos ended in tragedy when two Americans died from hornet stings, prompting renewed concern over Asia’s most dangerous hornet species.