Father and Son Die After Hornet Swarm Attack During Laos Ziplining Trip
A tragic incident occurred at the Green Jungle Park in Luang Prabang, Laos, on October 15. An American man, Dan Owen, and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, died after being attacked by a large swarm of Asian giant hornets while ziplining. The hornets stung both over 100 times, causing severe anaphylactic shock.
Dan Owen, a 47-year-old director of an international school in Vietnam, had worked with Quality Schools International for 18 years. He and his son were on a ziplining adventure at the park when they were suddenly engulfed by the hornets. The exact cause of death has not been determined, but both succumbed to their injuries. Cooper died half an hour after arrival at the hospital, while Dan Owen passed away three hours later. The specific type of hornet involved is unclear, although Asian giant hornets are known to inhabit Laos.
The tragedy has left Owen's employer and colleagues devastated. They described him as deeply loved and profoundly missed. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers in nature and the importance of safety precautions in outdoor activities.
