Venomous 'Murder Hornets' Kill Two American Tourists on Vacation in Laos
Two American tourists, a father and son, tragically died after being attacked by a swarm of venomous wasps during a zip-lining excursion in Laos on October 15. The deadly encounter occurred at Green Jungle Park, an eco-adventure resort near Luang Prabang, and became public later that week.
According to diplomats in Laos, the victims, Daniel and Cooper Owen, were stung multiple times as they descended from a tree. They were rushed first to a local clinic and then to the provincial hospital for emergency care but succumbed to their injuries a few hours later.
The park described the attack as “an unforeseeable and extraordinary natural occurrence,” noting that officials have since “further enhanced aspects of our emergency response protocols, including the evacuation process for the zip-line course.”
Asian giant hornets, often called “murder hornets,” are among the world’s largest hornets. Their venom contains a potent neurotoxin that can trigger lethal reactions, and the species is known for its aggressive defense behavior. Though native to parts of Asia, these insects have spread internationally in recent years, even appearing briefly in the United States.
Author’s Summary
A father and son died in Laos after a swarm of Asian giant hornets attacked them during a zip-line activity, prompting the park to strengthen its emergency safety measures.