giant murder hornet finally gone
Shutterstock Images
Travel

Father and Son Killed by Swarm of Hornets While Ziplining

By |

A father and son were just trying to enjoy vacationing in Laos. But they were attacked and killed by a swarm of hornets while ziplining.

Both 47-year-old Daniel Owen and his 15-year-old son Cooper died. The two were ziplining at Green Jungle Park, according to U.K. newspaper The Times. The father and son were from Idaho and were on vacation. After being attacked by hornets, they were transported to Phakan Arocavet Clinic for treatment. But they later died.

A U.S. Department of State spokesperson confirmed their deaths. They wrote,  "Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment."

According to eyewitnesses, the hornets stung the father and son hundreds of times. They had been descending from a tree when they were attacked. Both appeared conscious following the attack but later died.

Hornets Attack

Owen was the director of QSI International School in Haiphong in northern Vietnam. The school paid tribute to both. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen, Director of QSI International School of Haiphong, and his son Cooper, due to a tragic accident. Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education. He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed."

"Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them. #RememberingDanOwen #QualitySchoolsInternational," the post also concluded.

Doctor Phanomsay Phakan described the two's injuries after the hornets attacked them. It appears the Asian giant hornet is what attacked the two.

He said, "It was very, very painful. A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body. I thought already that it's a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the park said in a statement, "Green Jungle Park extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Daniel and Cooper Owen. Following this incident, we have reviewed all existing procedures. This event is unprecedented in our experience and, to our understanding, in Luang Prabang as well. It was an unforeseeable and extraordinary natural occurrence," per The Times.