An American father and son were killed after being stung by a swarm of hornets while ziplining at an adventure park in Southeast Asia, local officials confirmed.
Daniel Owen, 47, originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, died following the attack at Green Jungle Park in Laos on Wednesday, October 15, according to Phanomsay Phakan, director of the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where both victims were taken for treatment.
The pair were reportedly descending from a treetop zipline with a local guide when they were attacked by hundreds of Asian giant hornets, also known as “murder hornets.” The insects are notorious for their powerful stings and aggressive defense of their nests.
According to the news, the father and son were stung more than 100 times before help could reach them. They were on vacation in Laos, northeast of Thailand, at the time of the incident.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State confirmed the deaths, telling:
“We can confirm the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Luang Prabang, Laos. Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
Owen, who had been living in Vietnam, was serving as the director of QSI International School of Haiphong, part of Quality Schools International (QSI). The educational organization released a heartfelt tribute on Facebook following his death.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen,” the statement read. “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.”
The post also extended condolences to the Owen family and the broader QSI community, describing the father as a respected educator who inspired colleagues and students alike.
Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia), the largest hornet species in the world, can grow up to two inches in length. Native to parts of East and Southeast Asia, they are known for their potent venom and highly aggressive swarming behavior.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has previously described them as capable of destroying entire honeybee colonies within hours. Their sting is powerful enough to pierce standard beekeeping suits and, in rare cases, can trigger fatal allergic reactions or toxic shock in humans.
The insects cause dozens of deaths annually across Asia, particularly in rural areas where encounters are more common.
Local authorities in Luang Prabang have reportedly launched an investigation into the incident at Green Jungle Park, focusing on whether proper safety protocols were in place and if the ziplining route passed near a hornet nest.
Adventure tourism is a growing industry in Laos, attracting travelers seeking eco-experiences in the country’s tropical forests. However, experts warn that encounters with dangerous wildlife such as hornets, snakes, and other insects can pose serious risks in remote areas.
The tragedy has sparked renewed discussion on wildlife safety and emergency response preparedness at outdoor adventure facilities in Southeast Asia.
As tributes continue to pour in from the international school community, the loss of Daniel and Cooper Owen has left friends, colleagues, and loved ones mourning a father and son remembered for their kindness, adventurous spirit, and dedication to education and family.