Home / Disasters and Accidents / British Teen's Organ Donation Saves 5 Lives in Vietnam
British Teen's Organ Donation Saves 5 Lives in Vietnam
8 Apr
Summary
- A 19-year-old British student tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Vietnam.
- Her organs were donated, saving the lives of five critically ill Vietnamese patients.
- The family found comfort in her act of kindness, fulfilling her presumed wishes.
A 19-year-old British student, Orla Wates, lost her life in a road accident while exploring Vietnam's Ha Giang Loop. Orla, described as independent and humorous, was on a gap year before commencing her studies at Durham University.
She sustained fatal injuries in a motorcycle incident and later passed away on April 2, 2026, with her parents present at Hanoi's Viet Duc Friendship Hospital. Her family made the compassionate decision to donate her organs to save the lives of five Vietnamese patients.
Her parents stated that Orla's organ donation brought them solace, believing she would have wanted to help others. The Wates family also felt it important to give back to Vietnam, a country Orla had loved. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they are supporting the family during this difficult time.
