Who was Daniel Owen? QSI School Director & Son Cooper Die After Hornet Attack in Laos

Daniel Owen, the Director of QSI International School, and his teenage son, Cooper, tragically passed away on October 15, 2025. They were on a family vacation in Laos when a deadly swarm of Asian giant hornets attacked them during a zip-lining activity at Green Jungle Park.

The father and son were reportedly climbing down a tree when the hornets surrounded them. They suffered hundreds of stings and were rushed to a nearby clinic, but sadly could not survive. A guide who was accompanying them was also attacked, and his condition has not been publicly updated yet.

Heart-breaking Loss for QSI School Community

Daniel Owen served the QSI education network for nearly 18 years. The school shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him a dedicated leader and a kind person who touched many lives.

He worked in different QSI campuses across the world and was known for his warm personality, strong leadership, and love for students and staff. The school said he will be “deeply missed.”

Former students and colleagues remembered Daniel as a supportive mentor and caring educator. Many described him as someone who always made students feel comfortable asking for help.

How Did the Tragic Attack Happen?

According to reports, the attack happened suddenly as the family was coming down from a zip-line point.
Clinic staff who treated them shared that each had more than 100 stings. A doctor said the injuries were the worst he had seen in 20 years of practice.

There were no early signs of an allergic reaction when they arrived at the clinic, which made the sudden deterioration even more shocking.

Asian giant hornets are one of the largest hornet species in the world. Their sting can be extremely painful and dangerous, especially in large numbers.

Daniel Owen’s Career and Life

Daniel Owen belonged to Haiphong, Vietnam. He completed higher education from the University of Idaho and the American College of Education.

His career path included:

• Teacher at Almaty International School

• Secondary Teacher at QSI Dongguan in 2010

• College Counselor at QSI

• Director of Instruction at International School of Business

• Director at International School of Musik

• Director of International School of Haiphong (2023–2025)

A spokesperson for Green Jungle Park said the incident was unprecedented and they are reviewing safety procedures to prevent such tragedies.

Family and Personal Life

Daniel Owen is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their family. Friends and students around the world continue to share memories and prayers for the family in this very difficult time.