A British woman and her South African fiancé tragically lost their lives after consuming tainted limoncello at a villa in Vietnam, according to recent reports. Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinton Els, 36, who had recently gotten engaged, were discovered deceased on December 26 at a resort in Hội An. The couple, who had relocated to Vietnam in early 2024, were found in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell villa by the staff.
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Local authorities in Vietnam have confirmed that Otteson and Els died from methanol poisoning caused by consuming contaminated alcohol. The couple had reportedly purchased homemade limoncello from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve, which was later found to be tainted with methanol. The tragic incident occurred just three weeks after their engagement, as they were enjoying their newly established life in Vietnam, planning for the future.
Otteson’s parents expressed their devastation at the loss of the couple, describing them as a loving pair with promising prospects ahead. The couple had embraced a lifestyle of travel and adventure, making Vietnam their new home, until the fatal event cut short their dreams. The authorities have been investigating the source of the contaminated alcohol and working towards bringing justice to those responsible for the tainted limoncello that claimed the lives of Otteson and Els.
The day following their consumption of the tainted drink, Otteson reportedly contacted her parents to notify them of feeling unwell, with symptoms of a severe hangover and impaired vision. Despite concerns raised by a local bar owner and friend who suggested seeking medical help, Otteson and Els opted to wait it out, leading to tragic consequences. Subsequent investigations by the police indicated that the tainted limoncello was the root cause of their untimely deaths.
The devastated family of the deceased couple has been coping with the loss and seeking closure through the legal proceedings in Vietnam. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the UK has been assisting the family during this challenging time, liaising with the local authorities in Vietnam. Otteson, known for her work as a social media manager, and Els, a stand-up comedian, had established themselves in Vietnam and were appreciated by friends and loved ones.
The tragic incident involving Otteson and Els has shed light on the dangers posed by contaminated alcohol, highlighting the importance of vigilance while consuming beverages of uncertain origin. Their story serves as a reminder of the unforeseen risks that can arise in unfamiliar settings, even for experienced travellers like Otteson and Els. The impact of their sudden departure has reverberated across borders, drawing attention to the need for strict quality control measures in the production and distribution of consumable goods.