American Father and Son Killed by Swarm of Hornets After Being Stung ‘More Than 100’ Times on Vacation Zip Line

An Idaho father and his teenage son living in Vietnam tragically died after being attacked by a swarm of hornets while zip lining in Laos last month.

Daniel Owen and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, were visiting Green Jungle Park near Luang Prabang on October 15 when the incident occurred, according to the U.K. Times. Owen had just turned 47, or was about to, the outlet reported.

The Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where the two were initially treated, confirmed the event via email. Doctor Phanomsay Phakan described the situation as “very brief and rushed,” noting that he had no additional information to provide.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State also confirmed the deaths of two American citizens in Luang Prabang, adding that “out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”

According to the Times, Owen and Cooper were stung by hundreds of what appeared to be Asian giant hornets while leaving a tree with their guide at the adventure resort. They were reportedly conscious and showed no signs of anaphylactic shock when they arrived at the clinic, but both died a few hours later after being transferred to a hospital.

Owen, who served as director of QSI International School in Haiphong, Vietnam, and his son were believed to be vacationing in Laos at the time.

QSI honored Owen in a Facebook post on October 28, writing, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen, Director of QSI International School of Haiphong, and his son Cooper, due to a tragic accident. Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education. He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed.”

Dr. Phakan told the Times that when Owen and Cooper were brought in, “their bodies were covered in red spots. It was very, very painful. A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body. I thought already that it’s a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that.”

Green Jungle Park released a statement extending its “deepest condolences to the family and friends of Daniel and Cooper Owen.” The park said it worked closely with local authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and the family to offer support.

“The official review has now concluded, and although no fault was attributed to the park, we remain focused on continually evaluating and strengthening our visitor care and operating procedures wherever possible,” the statement read. “Following this incident, we have reviewed all existing procedures and further enhanced aspects of our emergency response protocols, including the evacuation process for the zipline course.”

The park emphasized that it had “never experienced a significant injury among its guests or team members” in its nearly ten years of operation. Calling the tragedy “an unforeseeable and extraordinary natural occurrence,” it added, “We remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility toward everyone who visits us. Our thoughts continue to be with the Owen family during this difficult time.”

The Entomological Society of America identifies the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) as an invasive hornet native to Asia. These hornets are the largest in the world and distinct from Asian hornets (Vespa velutina), which have been seen in parts of Europe and the U.K.

Friends and colleagues of Owen expressed their grief online. “The world lost two good ones,” wrote Josh Gaines on Facebook. Adriana Custódio De Souza Paoli added, “Dan was a beloved and caring principal at QSI Haiphong School. He and his son Cooper will always be in our memories and prayers.”