A British woman and her fiancé who were found dead at a villa in Vietnam last month had been drinking contaminated limoncello, according to reports.
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinto Els, 36, were found dead on Dec. 26, and their bodies were found in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa in Hội An, according to Vietnam News.
The Vietnamese police have now confirmed that Otteson and Els died from methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol after consuming tainted “homemade” limoncello, reports U.K. newspaper The Times.
Methanol is a clear, colourless alcohol used in all kinds of everyday products like industrial cleaners, solvents, paint, cosmetics and anti-freeze. While methanol itself is not harmful, it becomes deadly when consumed.
The Times alleges that the couple ordered two bottles of limoncello from a restaurant on Christmas Eve and woke up with “the worst hangover ever” on Christmas Day and tried to “sleep it off.”
The outlet reported that Otteson contacted her parents via WhatsApp on Christmas Day to tell them about her hangover and that she was seeing “black spots” in her vision.
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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.
“Sadly I think it was too late by then. Police forensics established the limoncello, which had been delivered, was the source,” the source added.
It was previously reported by Vietnam News that authorities collected several empty liquor bottles from the scene. It was also reported that the initial findings “showed no signs of scratches or external force on the bodies.”
“The Vietnamese police have now confirmed that the cause of death was methanol poisoning, as verified by the autopsy results,” Otteson’s parents said.
“Both Greta and Arno were experienced worldwide travellers. They found their perfect home and were incredibly happy with their life in Vietnam, planning for the future,” her parents’ statement continued. “They were a loving couple with their life ahead of them. The tributes we have had from around the world are unbelievable. Our aim is to bring the people who supplied the alcohol and killed Greta and Arno to justice.”
The couple had just shared their engagement announcement on Instagram seven weeks ago.
Otteson’s father said they were “so happy” that she picked 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 revealed and no arrests have been made in the case.
On Nov. 20, 2024, Canada issued a travel advisory after six tourists, mostly aged 19 to 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 methanol-adulterated alcohol poisoning,” the warning read. “Be vigilant if you choose to drink alcohol. Avoid accepting free or extremely low-priced drinks. Only buy alcohol in sealed bottles and cans from reputable shops. Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.”
The advisory was released after two Australian teenagers and a British woman died from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos.
Methanol poisoning is a significant health issue in Asia, with outbreaks frequently reported in countries such as Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines, according to Médecins Sans Frontières.
—With files from Global News’ Katie Dangerfield
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
