Tributes after British teenager dies while visiting Vietnam
Tributes After British Teenager Dies While Visiting Vietnam
A British teenager, Orla Wates, 19, tragically lost her life in a traffic mishap while exploring Vietnam. Local reports indicate she was on the Ha Giang Loop, a 350km mountain route in northern Vietnam, when she fell from the motorcycle’s rear. She was rushed to Hanoi’s Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, where she passed away on 2 April, with her parents present. Her mother shared with Viet Nam News that the family opted to donate Orla’s organs, aiming to benefit others in need.
Family’s Heartfelt Statement
“Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit. She loved to look good and lived life to the full,” said her mother, Henrietta Wates. The family emphasized that donating her organs aligned with Orla’s wish to contribute to others, even in her final moments. “Knowing she is living on through them brings us great comfort,” Henrietta added.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed its condolences, stating: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Orla Wates, following her tragic death in Vietnam.” The FCDO confirmed it was coordinating with local authorities to support the family during this emotionally challenging period.
Impact of the Accident
Viet Nam News reported that Orla’s organs were given to five critically ill Vietnamese patients. A hospital 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 granted a second opportunity.”
Orla’s father, Andrew Wates, highlighted her fondness for Vietnam, calling it “very important” for his family to give back to the Southeast Asian nation. The Ha Giang Loop, a popular route for adventurers, is often recommended with a local guide, especially for riders unfamiliar with the terrain. Vietnam’s roads, known for their perilous conditions, saw over 10,000 fatalities and 16,000 injuries in traffic accidents alone in 2024.
