Key Highlights
- American father and son killed by swarm of Asian giant hornets during ziplining in Laos.
- Hornets stung the pair “more than a hundred times,” according to local doctor.
- The incident occurred on October 15, 2025, near Luang Prabang city.
- Luang Prabang was voted as the No. 1 place to visit in Asia for 2025 by Lonely Planet.
The Fatal Encounter with Hornets
On October 15, 2025, American teacher Daniel Owen and his teenage son Cooper were killed by a swarm of Asian giant hornets while ziplining at an eco-adventure resort near the city of Luang Prabang in Laos. The incident highlights the dangers associated with adventure tourism in regions where such venomous insects are prevalent.
According to Dr. Phanomsay Phakan from the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, both Owen and Cooper were stung “more than a hundred times” over their entire bodies during the encounter.
The doctor described the situation as extremely dangerous due to the severity of the stings. Despite arriving conscious at the clinic without symptoms of anaphylactic shock, they passed away hours later in the Luang Prabang provincial hospital.
Context and Impact
The tragic incident occurred on what would have been Owen’s 47th birthday. He was a well-respected director at QSI International School in Haiphong, northern Vietnam, having dedicated 18 years to education across five different schools. His passing deeply affected the community he served.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen and his son Cooper,” said a statement from QSI. “Dan’s unwavering commitment to education and his warmth and leadership touched countless lives, making him an irreplaceable member of our community.” His friend John Gaines recalled: “He was like a big brother who inspired trust among students with his consistency and fairness.”
The eco-adventure resort where the incident occurred, Green Jungle Park, expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Owen. The park’s management stated that it had reviewed all existing procedures post-incident, acknowledging this as an unprecedented event in their experience.
Incident Timeline and Procedural Review
The ziplining session at Green Jungle Park was priced at 450,000 kip (£16) per person. The park’s website describes the activity as a thrilling adventure through the jungle canopy, emphasizing safety measures but noting that incidents are unforeseeable and extraordinary.
Following the incident, authorities in Laos conducted an investigation to understand better the circumstances leading to the fatalities. Experts highlight that while minor stings are common, fatalities from hornet attacks remain rare in the country.
Dr. Phakan noted his experience over 20 years of practice without such a fatality.
The case underscores the importance of thorough safety protocols and educational programs for tourists engaging in adventure activities in regions where dangerous insects like Asian giant hornets are present. It also raises questions about the balance between providing thrilling experiences and ensuring visitor safety.
