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

An Idaho father and his teenage son living in Vietnam died last month after being stung by a swarm of hornets during a zip-lining excursion in Laos.

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

Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where the pair were first taken for treatment, confirmed the incident in an email. Dr. Phanomsay Phakan described the case as “very brief and rushed,” adding that he had no additional details to share.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State separately confirmed the deaths of two American citizens in Luang Prabang, stating 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 attacked by hundreds of what appeared to be Asian giant hornets as they descended from a tree with their guide at the adventure park. Both were reportedly conscious and showed no signs of anaphylactic shock upon arrival at Phakan Arocavet Clinic, but they died a few hours later after being transferred to a hospital.

Owen served as director of QSI International School in Haiphong, Vietnam. He and Cooper were believed to be on vacation in Laos when the incident happened. In a Facebook post on Oct. 28, QSI wrote, “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.”

The tribute continued: “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 both victims’ “bodies were covered in red spots” when they arrived for treatment. “It was very, very painful. A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body,” he said. “I thought already that it’s a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that.”

A spokesperson for Green Jungle Park extended condolences to the Owen family, saying the park had reviewed its procedures following what it called an “unprecedented and extraordinary natural occurrence” in the area.

According to the Entomological Society of America, the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is an invasive species native to Asia and the world’s largest hornet. They differ from the smaller Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), which has been found in parts of Europe and the U.K.

Friends and colleagues of Owen have shared tributes on social media. “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.”

Green Jungle Park and QSI did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.