A British couple have died in a Vietnamese hotel after possibly drinking tainted limoncello
An English woman and her fiance were found dead in a villa Vietnam He reportedly drank tainted limoncello last month.
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinto Els, 36, were found dead on December 26 in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa in Hoi An. This was reported by Vietnam News.
Vietnamese police have now confirmed Otteson and Els are dead methanol poisoning then from contaminated alcohol consuming contaminated “homemade” limoncello“The Times” newspaper of Great Britain writes about it.
It is methanol clear, colorless alcohol it is used in all kinds of everyday products such as industrial cleaners, solvents, paints, cosmetics and antifreeze. Although methanol itself is not harmful, it is fatal when consumed.
The Times claims the couple ordered two bottles of limoncello from a restaurant on Christmas Eve and woke up on Christmas Day with the “worst hangover ever” and tried to “sleep it off”.
Publika.az reports that Otteson contacted his parents on Christmas Day via WhatsApp and told them that he was suffering from a hangover and that he was seeing “black spots” in his vision.
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A local bar owner and “fantastic friend” called the couple and tried to take them to hospital, but they refused, a source told the paper.
“Unfortunately, I think it’s too late by then. The police forensic examination determined that the limoncello that was handed over was the source,” the source added.
It was before This was reported by Vietnam News Authorities collected several empty liquor bottles from the scene. It was also reported that initial findings “did not show any signs of scratches or external force on the bodies”.
“Police in Vietnam have now confirmed that the cause of death was methanol poisoning, as confirmed by the autopsy results,” Otteson’s parents said.
“Both Greta and Arno were seasoned world travelers. They have found their perfect home and are incredibly happy with their life in Vietnam, making plans for the future,” their parents’ statement continued. “They were a loving couple with lives ahead of them. is to answer people to justice”.
The couple shared their engagement announcement on Instagram seven weeks ago.
Otteson’s father said they were “so happy” Elsie had chosen him.
“He was such a lovely boy. Arno was a great musician, composer and lyricist,” he told The Times.
The name of the restaurant where the limoncello was bought has not been released, and no arrests have been made in the case.
November 20, 2024, Canada gave a travel recommendation after six tourists mostly between the ages of 19 and 20died earlier that month of suspected methanol poisoning in the popular town of Belkeker in northern Laos.
“Several foreign suspects have been victims of methanol-laced alcohol poisoning in Vang Vieng,” the warning said. “If you choose to drink alcohol, be careful. Avoid accepting free or very low-priced drinks. Buy alcohol in sealed bottles and jars only from trusted stores. If you feel bad, see a doctor.”
The advisory was issued after two Australian teenagers and a British woman died of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos.
Methanol poisoning is a significant health problem in Asia, frequently reported in countries such as Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The Doctors Without Borders organization reported on this.
—With files from Global News’ Katie Dangerfield
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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