A British woman and her fiancé who were found dead in a villa in Vietnam last month had reportedly been drinking contaminated limoncello.
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinto Els, 36, were found dead on December 26 and their bodies were found in separate rooms at Hoi An Silverbell Villa in Hội An. according to Vietnam News.
Vietnamese police have now confirmed that Otteson and Els died of methanol poisoning due to contaminated alcohol after consume contaminated “homemade” limoncelloreports the British newspaper The Times.
Methanol is a clear, colorless alcohol that is used in all types of everyday products such as industrial cleaners, solvents, paints, cosmetics and antifreeze. While methanol itself is not harmful, it becomes deadly when consumed.
The Times alleges that the couple ordered two bottles of limoncello at a restaurant on Christmas Eve and woke up with “the worst hangover ever” on Christmas Day and tried to “take a nap.”
The outlet reported that Otteson contacted his parents via WhatsApp on Christmas Day to tell them about his hangover and that he was seeing “black spots” in his vision.
Get daily national news
Get the day's top news, political, economic and current affairs headlines delivered to your inbox once a day.
A source told the newspaper that a local bar owner and a “fantastic friend” called the couple and wanted to take them to the hospital, but they refused.
“Unfortunately I think it was too late. “Police forensics determined the source was the limoncello that had been delivered,” the source added.
was previously reported by Vietnam News that authorities collected several empty liquor bottles from the scene. It was also reported that initial findings “showed no signs of scratches or external force on the bodies.”
“Vietnamese police have now confirmed that the cause of death was methanol poisoning, as confirmed by autopsy results,” Otteson's parents said.
“Both Greta and Arno were experienced world travelers. “They found their perfect home and were incredibly happy with their life in Vietnam, planning for the future,” their parents' statement continued. “They were a loving couple with their lives ahead of them. The tributes we have had from all over the world are incredible. “Our goal is to bring to justice the people who supplied the alcohol and killed Greta and Arno.”
The couple had just shared their engagement announcement on Instagram seven weeks ago.
Otteson's father said they were “very happy” she chose Els.
“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 purchased has not been released and no arrests have been made in the case.
November 20, 2024, Canada issued a travel advisory after six tourists, mostly aged 19 and 20, died from suspected methanol poisoning in a popular backpacker town in northern Laos earlier that month.
“Several foreigners in Vang Vieng have been victims of suspected poisoning from alcohol adulterated with methanol,” the warning said. “Be alert if you decide to drink alcohol. Avoid accepting free or extremely low-priced drinks. Only buy alcohol in sealed bottles and cans from reputable stores. Seek medical help if you start to feel unwell.”
The notice was published after two Australian teenagers and a British woman died from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking contaminated alcohol in Laos.
Methanol poisoning is a major health problem in Asia, with outbreaks frequently reported in countries such as Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. according to Doctors Without Borders.
—With files from Katie Dangerfield of Global News
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.