Key Highlights
- American headmaster Daniel Owen and his teenage son Cooper were stung to death by Asian giant hornets during a zip-line vacation.
- The incident occurred in Luang Prabang on the Mekong River, Laos, on October 15, 2025.
- Doctors reported over 100 stings and described the situation as unprecedented.
- Owen was the director of Quality Schools International in Vietnam, an elite private school charging up to $760 per month for tuition.
A Devastating Tragedy at a Private School
On October 15, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded when the headmaster of an elite private school and his teenage son were stung to death by a swarm of Asian giant hornets during a zip-line vacation in Laos. The American father, Daniel Owen, and his 15-year-old son Cooper faced a harrowing ordeal that ended their lives within hours.
The Incident
According to local authorities, the pair was zip-lining at an eco-adventure resort near Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. As they struggled to descend from a tree with their guide, they were attacked by Asian giant hornets. These insects, known for their aggressive behavior and potent venom, stung both individuals more than 100 times each.
The local doctor at Phakan Arocavet Clinic, Phanomsay Phakan, described the scene as horrific: “Their whole bodies were covered in red spots.
It was very, very painful. A lot of stings, over the whole body.” The severity of their injuries led to their untimely deaths just hours after they were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Reactions and Impact
Their tragic passing sent shockwaves through the community. Dan Owen was originally from Idaho but had been living abroad for years, serving as the director of Quality Schools International in Vietnam, an elite private school that charges up to $760 per month for tuition.
In a statement, the school expressed deep sorrow: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen, Director of QSI International School of Haiphong, and his son Cooper. He dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives.” The school also emphasized Owen’s unwavering commitment to education and his significant impact on their community.
Reviewing Procedures
In the wake of this unprecedented event, the eco park where the accident occurred, Green Jungle Park, extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Owens. The park also announced that they had reviewed all existing procedures following this tragic incident: “This event is unprecedented in our experience and, to our understanding, in Luang Prabang as well. It was an unforeseeable and extraordinary natural occurrence.” This statement reflects a renewed commitment to safety measures at their facility.
The incident highlights the dangers of wildlife encounters during adventure vacations and the importance of thorough risk assessments by eco-adventure resorts. As global travel continues to grow, incidents such as this serve as stark reminders for both tourists and tour operators to be well-informed about potential hazards in unfamiliar environments.
