The family of a British teenager has honored their daughter who tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident on a well-known route in Vietnam.
The accident took place on the Ha Giang loop, located in the northern part of the country. Nineteen-year-old Orla Wates succumbed to her injuries at the Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi, as reported by Viet Nam News.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that its consular team is providing assistance to Wates’s family during this difficult time.
Her parents, Andrew and Henrietta Wates, shared their sentiments with Viet Nam News, stating, “Orla was a beautiful, independent young woman with a great sense of humor. She enjoyed looking her best and embraced life to the fullest.”
Henrietta expressed her gratitude to the hospital staff, particularly the intensive care unit team, for their care of Orla, mentioning that her organs had been donated to help save other lives.
“During this profoundly challenging time for us, we decided to donate Orla’s organs, as we believe she would have wanted to provide opportunities for others,” she remarked. “The knowledge that she continues to live on through them brings us significant comfort.”
In a video shared on the hospital’s social media, Orla’s father mentioned, “Vietnam was a country she cherished, and giving back to it is incredibly important to us.”
Henrietta added, “She had an amazing time here; she was truly enjoying every moment. This is our way of showing our gratitude.”
The Ha Giang loop is a scenic route stretching approximately 220 miles (350 km) through the mountainous regions of Vietnam, near the border with China. It is a favored destination for tourists, particularly those who are inexperienced motorcyclists, often riding in groups with tour operators.
The journey around the loop typically takes three to four days on a motorcycle.
An FCDO representative stated, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Orla Wates following her devastating loss in Vietnam. We are in communication with local authorities, and our consular staff are making every effort to support Orla’s family during this incredibly challenging time.”
