Brit tycoon’s teenage daughter dies in horror Vietnam motorcycle crash on hole yr
Orla Wates, 19, from London was travelling the popular Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike when she was struck by an oncoming vehicle and suffered extensive injuries
Orla Wates was thrown off the back of the bike when the driver lost control(Image: Wates Family)
A British building tycoon’s teenage daughter has tragically died after a motorbike accident in northern Vietnam. Orla Wates, from London, was travelling on the Ha Giang Loop during her gap year before starting a degree at Durham University when the incident occurred.
The 19-year-old sustained severe injuries after falling off a motorbike and being hit by an oncoming vehicle, and was rushed to Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in Hanoi, where she passed away last Thursday, reports the Mirror.
Orla’s father, Andrew Wates is a director of the £2.4billion building firm Wates. “Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit,” her mum, Henrietta Wates, shared with Viet Nam News. “She loved to look good and lived life to the full.”
Her parents have consented for her organs to be donated to assist other patients at the hospital, according to the outlet.
Mrs Wates continued: “We would like to thank Dr Trinh Van Dong and the ICU team at the hospital who cared for Orla. At this extremely difficult time for our family, we chose to donate Orla’s organs, as we believe that if there were a way to give opportunity to others, this is what Orla would have wanted.
“Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Orla’s dad, Andrew, posted on Viet Duc Friendship Hospital’s Facebook page: “Viet Nam was a country she loved, so to give back to Viet Nam is very important to us.”
A spokesperson from the hospital informed Viet Nam News: “In the face of profound grief, her family made a deeply compassionate decision that transcended nationality and race – to donate her organs, giving others a chance at life.
“The act has moved many, as her gift now offers hope to patients suffering from organ failure in Viet Nam. One journey has come to an end, but her life continues quietly and resiliently in others who have been given a second chance.”
In honour of her parents’ decision, Vietnam’s health minister penned a letter offering his heartfelt condolences and expressing sincere gratitude.
