The couple was found in a bed the day after Christmas in a first-floor room located in Hoi An, a coastal city in central Vietnam.
Recently engaged, the couple had officially registered for long-term temporary residence at the Hoa Chuong villa, according to local officials.
Initial investigations suggest the couple may have consumed ‘homemade’ limoncello contaminated with methanol, a highly poisonous industrial chemical, as reported.
A source told the Times: “Police forensics established the limoncello, which had been delivered, was the source.”
Tragically, Greta sent a last message to her family before passing, seemingly expressing concerns regarding the drink’s effects.
Through WhatsApp on Christmas Eve, Greta described experiencing the ‘worst hangover ever,’ and noted ‘black spots’ in her vision to her parents.
Despite feeling unwell, the couple opted to rest rather than accept a hospital offer from a worried friend. A source familiar with the families remarked: “sadly, I think it was too late by then.”
Hotel personnel discovered Greta the next morning, with her fiancé found in a nearby room.
A spokesperson from Quang Nam Provincial Police commented: “There were no signs of ransacking at the scene. The victims’ belongings and phones were untouched.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Vietnam and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Methanol, a highly toxic substance, can be lethal in doses as small as 25ml, despite its similar appearance and smell to ethanol found in alcoholic drinks.
This chemical is commonly used in products like fuel and solvents, and is sometimes illicitly added to alcohol to boost its strength.
Without urgent medical intervention, methanol consumption can be fatal, and may also lead to brain damage and blindness.
Determined to uncover the truth, the families of the deceased couple are seeking justice.
In a joint statement, they expressed: “Whilst the investigation is underway, procedural requirements and due diligence are being followed.
“Both families are aligned with the authorities in our shared goal of holding those responsible accountable.”