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Tributes have poured in for a former Bahrain resident and her South African fiancé who were found mysteriously dead in a rented holiday villa in Vietnam.
Tests later revealed they had been poisoned after drinking a contaminated beverage they had purchased and had delivered from a local store.
Yesterday marked exactly one month since the tragedy and family and friends, still reeling from the heartache news, posted poignant notices on social media.
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, a British former St Christopher’s School pupil, and her fiancé Els Arno Quinton, 36, were found lifeless in separate rooms on Boxing Day in the villa located in the central coastal city of Hoi An.
Vietnamese police have confirmed that following tests the cause of death was ‘methanol poisoning’.
The couple went out for a Christmas dinner and later marked the festive occasion by opening a bottle of ‘homemade’ limoncello that had been delivered to their luxury villa.
Their bodies were discovered by resort staff, who alerted local Vietnam police and an investigation was launched.
The sweethearts announced their engagement only last month after moving to Vietnam in February last year.
They were staying at the Hoa Chuong villa complex in the Cam Thanh commune.
According to Vietnamese daily newspaper Tuổi Trẻ staff members discovered the bodies and reported the incident to the provincial police department, which deployed forces to examine the scene.
“Initial reports indicated no signs of scratches or external force on the bodies of the foreigners, who were discovered lying on their beds,” stated the report. “Personal belongings, such as cell phones, were untouched, and there were no signs of vandalism in the rooms.”
Police also collected bottles from both rooms for further analysis.
Another report by English-language daily Vietnam News stated that Ms Otteson’s body was found in room 101 and her fiancé in room 201.
It stated that both victims had registered for long-term temporary residence at the tourist site starting from July 4 last year.
Methanol is tasteless and has a faint smell, so you would not know it is there until it is too late. It is sometimes used in counterfeit or homemade alcohol to cut costs, which means it is most likely to show up in shady local spirits or cheap cocktails.
Methanol is extremely poisonous. As little as 60 to 240 millilitres can be deadly for an adult. Symptoms may include a decreased level of consciousness, poor or no co-ordination, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased vision.
Six people died in Laos, which shares a border with Vietnam, in November in a suspected mass methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in the popular backpacker destination of Vang Vieng.
Ms Otteson worked previously as a social media manager and Mr Quinton was a musician.
The former resident’s LinkedIn profile shows that she studied at St Chris from 1993 to 2010, successfully passing her A-levels at the Isa Town senior school. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in textile design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) at the US Arizona State University.
She also worked as an assistant designer with leading Bahraini fashion brand Noon By Noor between 2015 and 2017. Her colleagues described Greta as ‘a kind, talented, free spirit’.
A Vietnamese police officer examines one of the two rooms at Hoa Chuong villa in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, where the couple were found dead on December 26. Credit – Quang Nam Provincial Police
Even after she left, she kept those friendships close and touched their lives in ways they’ll always remember.
“We’re heartbroken to hear the news,” co-founders of Noon By Noor Shaikha Noor bint Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya bint Mohamad Al Khalifa said in a statement to the GDN yesterday.
“Greta was a kind, thoughtful soul whose presence brought so much light to our workplace.
“Our hearts are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Meanwhile, a statement from Greta and Arno’s families posted on the social media platform X paid tribute to the couple. “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Greta Otteson and Arno Els have passed away in Vietnam on December 26.”
A further post on January 29, added: “Today marks one month since you were ripped away from us so tragically. There is a hole in my heart I have no idea how to even begin to fill. I hope wherever you are, my soul, that you know you were loved by so many and that you inspired us with your love, wit, charm and humour.”
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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