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American Father and Son Die After Suspected Asian Giant Hornet Swarm on Laos Zipline

A clinic reported over 100 stings per victim, with the doctor calling such deaths unprecedented in his 20-year practice.

Overview

  • Daniel Owen, 47, a QSI International School of Haiphong director, and his son Cooper, 15, died on Oct. 15 after a swarm struck during a zipline outing near Luang Prabang.
  • Local sources described the insects as Asian giant hornets that attacked as the pair and a guide struggled to descend from a tree.
  • Both victims arrived conscious at a clinic without clear signs of anaphylaxis and died hours later at a hospital, according to multiple reports.
  • Dr. Phanomsay Phakan said the pair suffered more than 100 stings and noted he had never seen a fatal case from such stings in over two decades of work.
  • Green Jungle Park called the event unprecedented and said it reviewed procedures, while Quality Schools International mourned Owen’s 18 years of service.