American Father and Son Fatally Stung by Asian Giant Hornets While Ziplining in Asia

Father and son die after hornet attack during zipline descent

An American father, Daniel Owen, and his young son, Cooper, died after being attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets while attempting to descend from a tree during a ziplining excursion at an eco-adventure resort on Oct. 15.

According to multiple reports, the pair and their guide were swarmed by the hornets and the father and son sustained more than 100 stings each. They were first taken to Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where Dr. Phanomsay Phakan described the severity of their injuries:

“Their whole bodies were covered in red spots. 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.”

Daniel and Cooper were conscious on arrival and did not show signs of anaphylactic shock, the severe allergic reaction that can follow stings from bees, wasps or hornets. Less than an hour after arriving at the clinic they were transferred to the Luang Prabang provincial hospital, where both died a few hours later. Authorities have not publicly released further medical details or an official cause of death beyond the reported sting injuries.

Community reaction

Quality Schools International confirmed Daniel Owen’s role as director of QSI’s International School in northern Vietnam and issued a statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen and his son Cooper. 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.”

About the Asian giant hornet

The Asian giant hornet is native to parts of Asia. While not invasive in its native range, it has occasionally been detected outside Asia, including in the UK and parts of Europe, where sightings raise concern because of its large size and potent sting. Medical professionals warn that multiple stings can cause severe pain and systemic reactions even in people without a known allergy.

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