An American man and his son die after wasp stings while ziplining in Laos
An American father and his teenage son died last month after being attacked by a swarm of wasps while ziplining at an adventure camp in Laos.
Details of the incident
Dan Owen, director of an international school in Vietnam, and his son Cooper were stung more than 100 times on October 15 at Green Jungle Park, located outside Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. They were descending from a tree at the end of the zip line when the wasps attacked.
Medical response
Both victims were 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.”
The doctor said they suffered severe anaphylactic shock due to the numerous stings, but the exact cause of death was not confirmed.
About the wasps
The Asian giant hornet, or “murder hornet,” known for its aggressive behavior, is found in Laos along with several other wasp species.
Author's summary: A tragic incident in Laos saw an American father and son fatally stung by a swarm of wasps while ziplining, suffering severe anaphylactic shock despite medical efforts.