Tragedy as British building tycoon's 'beautiful' teen daughter killed in Vietnam

A British building tycoon’s teenage daughter has died in a tragic motorbike accident while travelling in Vietnam during her gap year. Orla Wates, 19, was exploring the popular Ha Giang Loop when the bike she was riding on lost control, throwing her onto the road. She was then struck by an oncoming truck in what has been described as a devastating incident.

Orla, whose father is a director at Wates Group, had been due to begin her studies at Durham University later this year. She was rushed to Việt Đức Friendship Hospital following the crash but died from her injuries on April 2. The circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation.

Her family have paid tribute to a “beautiful, independent and very funny” young woman who “lived life to the full”.

Her father said she had a sharp wit and a love for life, while her mother described her as someone who would have wanted to help others even in death.

In an extraordinary act of generosity, Orla’s parents chose to donate her organs to critically ill patients. Her liver, two kidneys and two corneas were successfully transplanted, giving multiple people a second chance at life.

Her mother said the decision had brought some comfort during an unimaginable loss. “Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort,” she said.

Hospital officials praised the family’s decision, calling it a compassionate act that transcended borders and offered hope to others in need.

Vietnam’s Minister of Health also wrote to the family to express condolences and gratitude for their gesture.

The Ha Giang Loop, where the accident occurred, is a well-known route among young travellers, stretching hundreds of kilometres through mountainous terrain and remote villages.

Orla had been travelling there as part of a gap year before starting university, in what was meant to be an exciting new chapter of her life.