The lifeless bodies of Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Els Quinton, 36, were discovered in separate rooms by resort staff at a villa in Hoi An Town, Vietnam, on Boxing Day – three weeks after their engagement
A Brit woman and her fiancé who were found dead after being allegedly poisoned by methanol-laced limoncello had “refused an offer of help” – and believed they were just having “the worst hangover ever”.
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Els Quinton, 36, were holidaying over the festive period at a hotel in Vietnam after moving to the country in February 2024. The couple’s lifeless bodies were discovered in separate rooms by resort staff at the Hoi An Silverbell villa in Hoi An Town, Vietnam, on Boxing Day – just three weeks after their engagement.
Investigators have said the couple’s deaths were caused by methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol, believed to be “homemade” limoncello purchased from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve. Two bottles of limoncello were delivered to the hotel reception from a different restaurant, cops said. With no signs of trauma, it was unclear at first what had killed the recently engaged couple.
The next morning Greta texted her parents saying she was suffering “the worst hangover ever” and was experiencing “black spots” in her vision. The couple reportedly decided to “sleep off” the symptoms but hotel staff found the couple dead hours later. Greta, from Wales, was discovered lifeless in her bed and Arno in a nearby room.
A source close to the family told The Times: “A local bar owner and a fantastic friend called over and wanted to take them to 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.”
A statement from Greta’s devastated parents, Susan and Paul, 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. The Vietnamese police have now confirmed that the cause of death was methanol poisoning, as verified by the autopsy results.”
Arno’s dad Paul, from South Africa, called his son “a lovely boy…a great musician, composer, and lyricist” in a picture he shared of the couple smiling together at their engagement.
A photograph posted online of the restaurant’s menu shows it offers the liqueur, which is mainly produced in southern Italy and is listed alongside the word “homemade” in brackets. The menu says it costs 85,000 Vietnamese dong per shot — around £2.70 — but reviews say free shots are given to customers after meals.
Home-brewed alcohol can often be found to contain Methanol, a toxic chemical that can cause blindness, brain damage, and death.
Arno sent a voice message to a close friend just hours before his death. The friend, who asked not to be named, said Arno had “sounded super happy and excited for Christmas”. The pal continued: “I think their plans were just to be together and experience [Christmas] in a new country. It’s very tragic.”
The couple had met while they were both in the Middle East travelling before deciding to move to Vietnam together. Greta had been living in Dubai where she worked as a social media marketing manager before meeting Arno, a barista and musician.
Two weeks before they died the couple posted a romantic video on YouTube celebrating their engagement, showing the couple walking hand-in-hand and dancing on a beach together. Video production company Red Eye said: “This shoot was charged with so much emotion, reminding us how powerful the union of two souls can be. We will miss you great souls.”
The restaurant believed to have supplied the limoncello remains open, meanwhile no arrests have been made. The families of the tragic couple are now calling for justice. “Our aim is to bring the people who supplied the alcohol and killed Greta and Arno to justice,” said Paul.
In their statement, he and his wife added: “Whilst the investigation is under way, procedural requirements and due diligence are being followed. Both families are aligned with the authorities in our shared goal of holding those responsible accountable.
“The families remain fully confident in the ability of the Vietnamese authorities to conduct a fair and thorough investigation, and we ask for privacy as this process unfolds. No further statements will be forthcoming until the Vietnamese authorities complete their investigation. We thank everyone for their continued support and understanding during this incredibly difficult time.”
The UK Foreign Office earlier confirmed it is in contact with Vietnamese authorities and is supporting Greta’s family.