Greta Marie Otteson and her fiancé Els Arno Quinton, a British couple living in Vietnam, were found dead on December 26, 2023, after consuming limoncello believed to be contaminated with methanol. Their deaths shocked friends and family, as there were no initial signs of trauma.
- Couple died from methanol poisoning in Vietnam.
- They consumed toxic homemade limoncello.
- Symptoms included vision issues and vomiting.
- Friend urged them to seek medical help.
- Bartender arrested for food safety violations.
- Parents described them as happy travelers.
The couple had moved to Vietnam in February 2023 and were enjoying their life there when the tragedy struck. They had ordered two bottles of limoncello from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve, which was later found to be laced with methanol, a toxic substance commonly found in industrial products. The couple believed they were suffering from a hangover when symptoms began to appear.
Key details surrounding the incident include:
- Otteson texted her parents about seeing “black spots” in her vision.
- A friend visited them on Christmas Day and noted Otteson was unwell but declined to go to the hospital.
- Vietnamese authorities arrested a bartender accused of using medical alcohol to prepare the limoncello.
Following their deaths, Otteson’s parents confirmed that the cause was methanol poisoning, as established by autopsy results. Methanol is dangerous and can lead to severe health issues, including blindness and death, if ingested. Symptoms typically manifest 24 hours after consumption, which aligns with the timeline of the couple’s last meal and subsequent health decline.
The tragic deaths of Greta Otteson and Els Quinton highlight the dangers of consuming contaminated alcohol. Their experience serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance regarding food and drink safety, especially in unfamiliar locations.