Murder hornet swarm kills U.S. father, son ziplining in Southeast Asia
The American director of an elite private school was stung to death by a swarm of murder hornets alongside his teenage son while they were ziplining in Southeast Asia, local officials confirmed.
Daniel Owen and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, were visiting Green Jungle Park — an eco-adventure resort near the city of Luang Prabang — when the incident occurred, the according to The Times of London. The pair were suddenly bombarded by hundreds of Asian giant hornets as they were descending from a tree with their guide on Oct. 15.
They were taken to the Phakan Arocavet Clinic for treatment, but they died a short time later. Both Owens and Cooper were stung more than 100 times, officials said.
A U.S. Department of State spokesperson confirmed two U.S. citizens died in Luang Prabang in northern Laos, People reported, adding, “Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
Owen, who lived in Vietnam, was the director of QSI International School of Haiphong, according to a Facebook post. He was apparently on vacation with his son at the time of his death.
According to The Times, Owen was approaching his 47th birthday.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen,” the post said. “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 continues. “Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them.”
The Asian giant hornet, also known as Vespa mandarinia or “murder hornet,” is an invasive hornet native to Asia and can grow up to 2 inches long. Its stinger, meanwhile, can measure up to an inch by itself.
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