**Tragic Death of American Father and Son After Hornet Stings While Vacationing in Laos**
Podcaster and blogger Perez Hilton recently discussed the heartbreaking story of an American father and son who lost their lives after being fatally stung by hornets during a vacation in Laos.
According to a report by *The Times*, Daniel Owen, an Idaho native, was vacationing in Laos with his 15-year-old son, Cooper. The two were enjoying a ziplining activity at Green Jungle Park near the city of Luang Prabang when they were suddenly attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets. Both sustained severe stings as they descended.
Owen and his son immediately sought medical attention. They were rushed to the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where they were conscious and showed no signs of anaphylactic shock upon arrival. Later, both were transferred to the Luang Prabang provincial hospital, where they tragically succumbed to their injuries just hours after the attack.
Perez Hilton, reporting on the incident in his November 4 blog, highlighted the shocking nature of this tragedy, writing: “A family’s vacation last month took a tragic turn from a danger no one saw coming.” Hilton also shared that Daniel Owen was about to turn 47 at the time of his death.
A guide accompanied the father and son during the ziplining activity, though it remains unclear whether the guide sustained any injuries in the incident.
**Statements from Medical and Official Sources**
Doctor Phanomsay Phakan, who attended to Owen and his son at the initial clinic, spoke with *The Times* about the rare and severe nature of the case. He recalled:
“Bodies were covered in red spots. It was very, very painful. A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body. I already thought that it’s a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that. I have never seen a death and I have been working more than 20 years.”
The U.S. Department of State also confirmed the deaths to *People* magazine but declined to provide additional details out of respect for the family’s privacy. A spokesperson stated, “Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
**Remembering Daniel Owen and His Son**
Perez Hilton shared that Daniel Owen was the director of Vietnam’s QSI International School located in Haiphong. The school released a heartfelt statement on October 28 via Facebook, expressing their grief and paying tribute to Owen’s dedication:
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen, Director of QSI International School of Haiphong, and his son Cooper, due to a tragic accident. 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. Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them.”
**Park Representative Shares Condolences**
A spokesperson for Green Jungle Park, where the incident occurred, spoke to *The Times* to offer condolences to the Owen family. The representative described the event as an “unforeseeable and extraordinary natural” occurrence, emphasizing that such an incident had never happened before at their park.
Perez Hilton concluded his blog post by extending his sympathies to the Owen family during this incredibly difficult time.
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This tragic story serves as a sobering reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise during even the most joyful family vacations. Our thoughts are with the Owen family, friends, and community affected by this devastating loss.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/podcasts/news-danger-one-saw-coming-perez-hilton-reacts-father-son-getting-killed-getting-stung-hornets-zipline
