Published: 6:45am, 5 Nov 2025Updated: 6:46am, 5 Nov 2025
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.
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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 October 15.
They were rushed 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 US Department of State spokesperson confirmed two US 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.”

