British teen’s organs donated after death in Vietnam

8 Apr 2026 • 3:29 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A 19-year-old British woman, Orla Wates, has died following a motorcycle crash on the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam.
  • Ms Wates died on 2 April in Ha Noi’s Viet Duc Friendship Hospital after the incident on the popular tourist route.
  • Her parents, Andrew and Henrietta Wates, described her as "beautiful, independent and very funny" and said she "loved to look good and lived life to the full".
  • In a compassionate act, her organs were donated to save others, a decision her parents believe Orla would have wanted.
  • The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing support to Ms Wates’ family during this difficult time.

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