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Honeymooner swept to death on Laos river ride
Neil Millard21 Sep 2009
A pub landlord who drowned after being swept away by a swollen river during his honeymoon in Laos was "smiling and waving" at his wife moments before.
Michael O'Sullivan, 39, who used to run a pub in Slough, got into difficulty after a river "tubing" ride on inflatable rings with his wife, Ilana, 29, and 18 other holidaymakers.
The couple had been enjoying a belated honeymoon backpacking around Asia after marrying last November and had planned to renew their vows in the presence of Mrs O'Sullivan's mother in New Zealand.
On Thursday, the pair went on the "tubing adventure" on the Nam Xong river in Vang Vieng, in the north of Laos. But the river had swollen dangerously because of the rainy season. His body was only found yesterday.
All 20 tourists were separated and locals used ropes and sticks to try to help them. Mr O'Sullivan was the only one not to be rescued. He was not wearing a lifejacket. His sister, Claire, 43, one of his seven siblings, said: "A couple of men and Ilana saw Michael. He waved at Ilana and smiled at her as if he was OK. Ilana said she looked behind her and he was there and when she looked again he was gone."
Mr O'Sullivan had lived in London since the age of 16 but left his job as landlord of The Crown pub in Farnham Royal, Slough, to move back to Ireland four years ago. Claire added: "He was the funniest, wittiest, brother, uncle and friend anyone could have."
