Sydneysider dies leaping into river while 'tubing' in Laos

Alicia Wood and Jonathan Swan

January 11, 2012

Comments 14

How dangerous is tubing? (Video Thumbnail)

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What is tubing?

Sydney man Lee Hudswell died after jumping from a tower as he went tubing in Loas.

The tubing craze in Laos

A Sydney man has died after leaping from a tower into a river, while tubing in Laos.

Lee Hudswell, 26, of Cronulla in the Sutherland Shire, was on holidays in the south-east Asian country, experiencing the popular river entertainment of floating along on an inner tube.

Lee Hudswell ... died on holiday. Photo: Supplied

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Brad Haigh, from New Zealand, saw the accident that occurred in the riverside town of Vang Vieng yesterday.

He said that Mr Hudswell jumped from a tower and landed badly in the river about 4pm.

Tourists crowd a riverside bar in Laos, by one of the diving towers. Photo: Larissa Ham

"People put him on his side, and tried to resuscitate him. But nobody knew what was happening. He jumped into the river, which is what everyone does, but there was no first aid on the river and no one knew what to do.

"He was taken to hospital in a tuk tuk. It was shocking. Last year 22 people died here in the river.

"It was my first time tubing and I never want to do it again. Something has to be done – it's all good fun drinking and dancing by the river, but when you add the free whisky, tubing and slides, it's really dangerous."

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The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death.

A doctor at Vang Vieng hospital, who asked not to be named, said Mr Hudswell arrived at about 5pm yesterday after a tubing accident, but died at 6pm.

A spokeswoman said consular officials in Vientiane were liaising with local authorities, and the department was providing assistance to Mr Hudswell's family.

Mr Hudswell's cousin, Kelsey Hunter, said his death was "devastating".

"He was known for his cheeky smile and his fierce loyalty to his family and friends".

Mr Hudswell's uncle, Ray Hudswell, said the family had heard he died after falling from a flying fox.

"He was a wonderful, energetic young man. Handsome, popular, and a superb athlete. He will be sorely missed.

"He had a sense of adventure, he played cricket with sutherland and rugby leage, and he enjoyed extreme sports".

Ray Hudswell said Lee's father would travel to Laos tomorrow.

14 comments

Tragic, but thats the risks of travelling in a developing country which isn't saturated in H&S laws like here, which take all the fun out of it.

Commenter

Fatty O'Barrell

Location

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:08PM
- You should read the link to find out how all of this started. It's backpacker made up fun not an official park/tourist attaction. The locals authorities will probably shut it down due to risks and complaints from locals.
  Awful news for his family.
  
  Commenter
  
  Helen G
  
  Location
  
  Sydney
  
  Date and time
  
  January 11, 2012, 1:33PM
Its unfortunate that these things happen. People need to be more conscience about the consequences. Its sad but you do these things at your own risk. these travellers need to wise up. It may all look like sunshine and lollipops or free whiskey and tubing - use your head a bit - see it all the time

Commenter

Wanderer

Location

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:11PM
Tragic. Such a unique place and part of the South East Asia backpacking adventure. It's a shame these things happen. I'd get to Vang Vieng if you have been planning to before they shut it down. Just respect yourself and remember Lee.

Commenter

Missa

Location

Sydney

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:13PM
"Something has to be done". What needs to be done is for tourists to wake up, think of the consequences of their own actions, and make sensible decisions. Adventurous acts are often taken at your own peril, at home or abroad.

Commenter

T

Location

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:13PM
- Exactly. But it was the same 20 years ago in places like Thailand and Indonesia - crazy backpackers tanked up, doped up and doing crazy things. I doubt it will ever change. Unfortunately, in places like this the poor will grasp at the chance to make money while they can, which only encourages these "travellers".
  
  Commenter
  
  Andrea
  
  Location
  
  Victoria
  
  Date and time
  
  January 11, 2012, 1:48PM
My condolences to this young man's family and friends! I have been to Laos on numerous occasions and can safely say it was one of the best countries on Earth to visit! Having said that, outside of Vientiane, it is still very undeveloped and rural. There is no OH&S and people need to be careful. Loads of alcohol, "mushroom" shakes and "space" pizza combined with heights, ropes, tubes and rapids can never end well. I have seen so many people get into trouble. Simple solution is: Have fun but be careful!

Commenter

LiPi

Location

Sydney

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:15PM
So sad. Being a Third World country explains the poor infrastructure and why there was no first aid or medical assistance - not even an ambulance to transport him to hospital.
Just read a book 'Australians in Trouble' (on Amazon if anyone's interested), about scenarios like this, where poor and inexperienced Aussies get themselves into hot water overseas.
When travelling to unfamiliar places, it's so important to exert great caution. Was the river in which he dove too shallow?
God bless him and his family. It's a heartache nobody wants to endure. For the sake of his family, I hope he is repatriated quickly.

Commenter

Itinerant

Location

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:30PM
My condolences go out to Lee's family. No-one expects their son not to come home. Im sure Lee new the consequences and risks it is just a horrible, horrible accident and such a tragedy for a man cut down in his prime.

Commenter

Katie

Location

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:35PM
Condolences to his family, and I hope other travellers learn to take a little more care when travelling... however, I'd rather die living life to the fullest than have a "long" life cosseted away at home.

Commenter

Dave R

Location

Sydney

Date and time

January 11, 2012, 1:40PM