Tributes after British teenager dies while visiting Vietnam
Tributes after British Teenager Dies in Vietnam
A British teenager, Orla Wates, 19, tragically lost her life while exploring Vietnam, as per local reports. The incident occurred during her travels along the Ha Giang Loop in the north, when she fell from the motorcycle she was riding. She was taken to Hanoi’s Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, where she passed away on 2 April, with her parents by her side.
Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
Orla’s mother, Henrietta Wates, shared her daughter’s qualities with Viet Nam News, describing her as “beautiful, independent, and very funny, with a sharp wit.” She added that Orla “loved to look good and lived life to the full.”
“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. Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort,” Henrietta said.
The hospital confirmed that her organs were given to “five critically ill Vietnamese patients.” A representative noted, “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.”
Government Support and Road Safety Context
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Orla Wates, following her tragic death in Vietnam.” The FCDO confirmed it was in contact with local authorities and offering support to her family during “this hugely difficult time.”
Orla had been traversing South East Asia before beginning her studies at Durham University. Her father, Andrew Wates, told the hospital that his daughter had “loved Vietnam,” making the donation a “very important” act for their family.
The Ha Giang Loop is a scenic 350km (217 miles) route through the northern mountains. Many tour operators recommend riding with a local guide, especially for those new to the region. Vietnam is known for its perilous roads, with over 10,000 fatalities and 16,000 injuries recorded in traffic accidents in 2024.
