Cape Town – The sudden and unexplained deaths of Durban musician and comedian Arno Els (36) and his British fiancée, Greta Otteson (33), in Hoi An, Vietnam, on Boxing Day have left family and friends in mourning.
In a joint statement, the families confirmed the tragic news, requesting privacy while “police legalities and procedures in Vietnam” are underway, stating they “do not want to prejudice the outcome.”
Els, also known as “Lakka Brah,” was a well-known figure in Durban’s music and comedy scenes, also recognised for his award-winning barista skills and online streaming. Otteson worked as a digital strategist and social media manager. Their engagement, announced in a touching video, showcased their deep love and connection.
In the video, Els expressed his affection for his “soon-to-be wife,” saying: “We're just two people from opposite ends of the world, living in Asia and doing it together, which is quite special I think. She brings a real sense of calm to life which is nice 'cause life outside is always a bit chaotic. So, it's nice to have someone who can just ground you and keep you sane.”
Just days before their deaths, Els shared a poignant Facebook post reflecting on his life: "Life is kinda wild. I feel 12 but somehow I have a soon-to-be wife, living in a foreign country, rescued a dog from the meat market, developing a game, having a games night with friends and all while being 62% through life."
Close friend and fellow comedian Glen Bo described Els as "a live wire" with "a beautiful chaos around him," adding that “everyone would have a time with Arno. You kind of came in and out of his life and you were almost like a co-star with him because he was such a big, gravitational pull of a character.” Bo described Els' personality as “polarising,” but added, “But that's what I loved about him.”
Bo recounted Els' unwavering support during a difficult period in his own life, saying: "He was the first person that I phoned and the only person that talked me out of a very devastating time of my life that no one else could really wrap their heads around. And that was the kind of person that he was. He would be there for you at three in the morning if you needed a phone call. Or if you were stuck on the side of the road, he would come fetch you. That's the kind of guy that he was… He really cared.”
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Bo also spoke about Otteson, describing her as "someone who could make him make sense of his own chaos," adding, "And I think that is what is absolutely tragic about this… as he kind of, like, found the person that calmed him, this happened."
The couple met in Dubai, where Els had relocated for work, before embarking on a new adventure in Vietnam. They were living in two small rooms at the villa where they were found deceased, according to Bo, who said: "When they moved to Vietnam, it was the happiest I've ever seen him. They were building a life together." Bo was planning a visit to Els this year and spoke to him just before Christmas. "So, when I heard, it was devastating," he said.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication. The tragic loss of this vibrant couple has left a void in the lives of their loved ones and the communities they touched, leaving many questions unanswered as investigations continue in Vietnam.
