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British teen dies in Vietnam

A 19-year-old British woman has died in Vietnam after a reported motorbike crash.

The Foreign Office said it was supporting the family of Orla Wates after her "tragic death" in the country.

According to local media, she was involved in an accident on the Ha Giang Loop, a popular route for road trips in northern Vietnam, winding through the mountains near the border with China.

Viet Nam News reported she died at the Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in the capital, Hanoi, on 2 April.

Her parents, Andrew and Henrietta Wates, told the outlet she "lived life to the full".

"Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit," they said.

Her mother thanked the hospital's Dr Trịnh Van Dong and its emergency care team for caring for Ms Wates – and said her organs had been donated to save others.

She told Viet Nam News it's "what Orla would have wanted".

"Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort," she said.

In an interview shared on the hospital's social media, she added: "It is our way of thanking you."

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The Foreign Office confirmed its consular staff are supporting Ms Wates' family.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Orla Wates, following her tragic death in Vietnam," said a statement.

"We are in touch with the local authorities, and our consular staff are doing all they can to support Orla's family at this hugely difficult time."

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: British teen dies in Vietnam

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