British Tycoon’s Daughter Dies in Vietnam Motorbike Crash

Orla Wates, a 19-year-old British woman, died on April 2 at the Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in Hanoi following a motorcycle accident in northern Vietnam.

The crash occurred while Ms. Wates was traveling on the Ha Giang Loop, a popular 350km route that winds through mountainous terrain near the border with China, during a gap year. Reports indicate the incident involved a collision with an oncoming vehicle.

Ms. Wates is the daughter of Andrew Wates, a director of the £2.4 billion building firm Wates, and Henrietta Wates. In a statement to Viet Nam News, her parents described her as “beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit,” adding that she “loved to glance good and lived life to the full.”

Following the accident, the family made the decision to donate Orla’s organs. Henrietta Wates stated that the family believed this was what her daughter would have wanted, noting that knowing she is living on through others brings them comfort. She expressed gratitude toward the ICU team and Dr Trịnh Van Dong at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital for the care provided to Ms. Wates.

Andrew Wates said in an interview shared on the hospital’s social media page that Vietnam was a country his daughter loved and that donating her organs was an important way for the family to give back to the country.

The Ha Giang Loop is frequently used by tourists, with inexperienced riders often traveling as pillion passengers in groups managed by tour operators. The journey typically spans three to four days.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that consular staff are currently providing support to the family.