**American Teacher and Son Tragically Killed by Stings While on Holiday in Laos**

HONG KONG — An American teacher and his teenage son were tragically stung to death while on holiday in Laos. Daniel Owen and his son, Cooper, were visiting an eco-adventure resort near the city of Luang Prabang when the deadly incident occurred on October 15. The two, who lived in neighboring Vietnam, were reportedly attacked by unknown creatures, though details about what stung them have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

The father and son received initial treatment at the Phakan Arocavet Clinic in Luang Prabang. The clinic’s director, Phanomsay Phakan, explained, “The condition of the father and son was very serious, so they were quickly transferred to a nearby provincial hospital for further treatment.”

Phakan told The Times of London that both victims had been stung more than 100 times, describing their bodies as being “covered in red spots.”

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department confirmed the deaths of the two American citizens in Luang Prabang. They declined to provide further information, citing respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones. The U.S. embassies in Vietnam and Laos also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Green Jungle Park, the eco-adventure resort where the incident took place, has not issued an official statement. However, a park spokesperson told The Times that the event was “unprecedented in our experience and, to our understanding, in Luang Prabang as well.” They further described it as “an unforeseeable and extraordinary natural occurrence,” and added that the park is currently reviewing its safety procedures.

Daniel Owen was the director of QSI International School of Haiphong, located in one of Vietnam’s largest cities. The school expressed their condolences in a Facebook post, stating: “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.”

Laos, with a population of about 8 million, has rapidly grown in popularity as a tourist destination in Southeast Asia. This tragic incident has shocked the local and expatriate communities, highlighting the rare but real risks associated with exploring nature’s wild beauty.
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/american-teacher-daniel-owen-son-stung-death-laos-rcna242046