Father and Son Die After Killer Hornet Attack in Laos
An American man and his teenage son lost their lives after a tragic encounter with Asian giant hornets during a zip-lining excursion at Green Jungle Park, an eco-adventure resort in Laos.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the victims—Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son, Cooper—were zip-lining near Luang Prabang along the Mekong River on October 15 when the attack occurred. The New York Post reported on November 3 that both were stung more than a hundred times by a swarm of Asian giant hornets, also known as "murder hornets." The pair were unable to descend from a tree during the assault.
Aftermath and Investigation
Mr. Owen, who worked as a director at an international school in Vietnam, and his son were taken to a nearby hospital but died hours later. The condition of their guide remains unknown.
About the Species
Asian giant hornets are invasive insects that can grow up to 6.35 centimeters long. Their venom can cause necrosis, leading to the death of body tissue around the sting area. Multiple stings can be fatal, especially when the venom enters the bloodstream and reaches internal organs.
“They were attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets – an invasive, predatory insect dubbed ‘murder hornets.’”
Author’s Summary
The harrowing incident in Laos highlights the real dangers of invasive hornet species, whose powerful venom can turn a routine adventure into a deadly tragedy.