Tributes after British teenager dies while visiting Vietnam
Tributes after British teenager dies while visiting Vietnam
A 19-year-old British woman lost her life during a trip to Vietnam, with the incident attributed to a road accident. She was on the Ha Giang Loop, a scenic route in northern Vietnam, when she fell from the motorcycle’s rear. According to Viet Nam News, she was rushed to Hanoi’s Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, where she passed away on 2 April, with her parents by her side.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Orla Wates, following her tragic death in Vietnam,” said a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The FCDO confirmed it was in contact with local authorities and offering assistance to Orla’s family at “this hugely difficult time.” Viet Nam News noted that Orla had been exploring South East Asia before beginning her studies at Durham University. Her mother, Henrietta Wates, shared memories of her daughter as a vibrant, independent, and witty individual.
“Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit. She loved to look good and lived life to the full,” Henrietta said. “We chose to donate Orla’s organs, as we believe that if there were a way to give opportunity to others, this is what Orla would have wanted.”
The hospital reported that her organs were given to five critically ill Vietnamese patients. A representative added: “In the face of profound grief, her family made a deeply compassionate decision that transcended nationality and race – to donate her organs, giving others a chance at life… One journey has come to an end, but her life continues quietly and resiliently in others who have been given a second chance.”
Orla’s father, Andrew Wates, expressed that his daughter cherished Vietnam, making the donation “very important” to their family. The Ha Giang Loop, a 350km mountainous road trip in northern Vietnam, is often recommended for guided motorcycle tours, especially for those with limited experience. Vietnam’s road network is known for its hazards, with over 10,000 fatalities and 16,000 injuries recorded in traffic accidents during 2024.