Father and Son Die After Killer Hornet Attack in Laos
An American man and his teenage son lost their lives after being stung more than a hundred times by Asian giant hornets, commonly known as "murder hornets", while on vacation in Laos.
Incident Details
The tragedy occurred on October 15 at Green Jungle Park, an eco-adventure resort near Luang Prabang along the Mekong River. According to reports from the New York Post, 47-year-old Daniel Owen and his 15-year-old son Cooper were zip-lining when they were suddenly attacked by a swarm of these aggressive insects.
Aftermath
Mr. Owen, who worked as a director at an international school in Vietnam, and his son attempted to descend from a tree with their guide during the attack. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital but died a few hours later. The guide’s condition remains unknown.
About the Asian Giant Hornet
The Asian giant hornet, an invasive predatory species, can reach up to 6.35 cm in length. Its venom is powerful enough to trigger necrosis — the destruction of tissue around the sting — and multiple stings can be fatal if toxins reach vital organs through the bloodstream.
“They were zip-lining at Green Jungle Park, an eco-adventure resort in Laos, when they were attacked.”
Published Information
The case was reported by the New York Post on November 3, 2025.
Author’s Summary: A father and son’s adventure in Laos ended tragically after a swarm of “murder hornets” attacked them, causing fatal injuries despite immediate medical care.