Greta Marie Otteson and Arno Els Quinton were found dead in a villa in Hoi An Town, Vietnam on Boxing Day, but a police spokesperson said there were no signs of physical trauma
A man told his friend how “happy and excited” he was in a voice message just hours before he and his fiancée were found dead on holiday.
Arno Els Quinton, 36, and Brit Greta Marie Otteson, 33, were discovered lifeless in separate rooms by resort staff at the Hoi An Silverbell villa in Hoi An Town, Thailand on Boxing Day.
But police say there were no signs of physical trauma and neither room had been ransacked. As the investigation continues, it has emerged Arno had sent a voice message to a close friend just hours before his tragic 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.”
Authorities at the scene said they collected empty bottles in the room and will be testing them for further analysis, reports The Times. It says Greta, believed to be from Wales, only got engaged to Arno weeks before their death.
Friends of the couple have left heartfelt tributes on social media. One reads: “Greta loved Arno unconditionally and was his bedrock, giving him the freedom to do what he needed to without a faltering foundation.
“There are two distinct things that are so prominent in my thoughts and that is her laugh and how much love they constantly [threw] at each other, regardless of who was around. They celebrated each other there and I know they will continue doing that, wherever they are.”
Another reads: “Rest in peace my brother. Thank you for always being the fierce friend you were. You saved me many a time. You were real and lived life harder than most people could ever dream of. I love you and I will always miss you.”
Arno’s nationality has not been disclosed by authorities. Both rooms at Hoi An Silverbell have been cordoned off as police continue to investigate the tragedies.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Vietnam and are in contact with the local authorities.”
