Father and Son Die After Killer Hornet Attack in Laos
On October 15, an American father and his teenage son were fatally attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets while zip-lining at Green Jungle Park, an eco-adventure resort near Luang Prabang along the Mekong River in Laos.
Details of the Incident
Mr. Daniel Owen, 47, a director at an international school in Vietnam, and his son Cooper, 15, were stung more than 100 times during the attack. They climbed a tree with their guide to escape but struggled to get down safely.
Both were rushed to a nearby hospital but died hours later. The condition and fate of their guide remain unknown.
About the Asian Giant Hornets
- Asian giant hornets can grow up to 6.35 cm in size.
- Their venom causes necrosis, leading to cell or tissue death around the sting site.
- Multiple stings can be fatal if the venom spreads through the bloodstream and damages organs.
- These hornets are invasive predatory insects also known as "murder hornets."
They were attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets – an invasive, predatory insect dubbed “murder hornets”.
Published Nov 04, 2025, 05:36 PM
Summary
An American father and son died from multiple stings by invasive Asian giant hornets while zip-lining in Laos, highlighting the deadly risks posed by these insects.