In a heartbreaking incident, British citizen Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and her South African fiancé, Els Arno Quinton, 36, tragically passed away during their holiday stay in Vietnam. The couple, who had just celebrated getting engaged with a YouTube video days earlier, met their untimely deaths after consuming limoncello that was allegedly contaminated with methanol.

Spending the festive season in Hoi An, a scenic coastal city, Greta and Els had relocated to Vietnam in February of the previous year, seeking new adventures abroad.

Authorities pointed out that the homemade limoncello ordered by the couple from a local eatery could have been tainted with dangerous methanol.

According to a family source speaking to The Times, police forensic teams established that the limoncello, delivered to their hotel room, was indeed the cause of the tragedy.

Before the tragedy unfolded, Greta had messaged her family, describing symptoms of what seemed to be an intense hangover and mentioned seeing unsettling “black spots” in her vision.

The couple unfortunately chose to rest, hoping the discomfort would pass by morning.

“A friend and local bar owner offered to take them to the hospital, but they declined,” revealed the family source. “Regrettably, it was likely too late by then.”

Tragically, they were discovered lifeless in separate rooms just hours later.

Authorities reported no signs of intrusion or theft at the scene; their belongings and phones remained untouched, pointing towards methanol poisoning.

Methanol, a hazardous industrial substance not unlike ethanol, can be found in products like antifreeze and windscreen washer fluid. It is known for being tasteless, odorless, and highly flammable.

Alarmingly, just 25 milliliters of methanol can prove fatal.

Upon consumption, methanol becomes dangerous rapidly as it is processed by the liver, leading to the creation of toxic by-products such as formaldehyde and formic acid. These toxins harm the nerves and organs, potentially resulting in blindness, coma, or death.

Greta’s grieving parents remembered their daughter and her fiancé fondly, stating, “Both Greta and Arno were seasoned travelers who had found a beautiful life in their new home and were very happy together.”

Greta’s father, Paul, voiced their determination to seek justice for the heartbreaking incident, saying, “Our primary focus is to ensure those responsible for selling the lethal alcohol face the consequences.” He also noted that a memorial service will be held in due course to honor both Greta and Arno.

Arno’s family expressed the wish that the couple remains together, which Greta’s family supports.

Our hearts go out to both families as they cope with this profound loss. Please share this story to raise awareness and encourage responsible alcohol consumption among your loved ones.