Tributes have flooded in for former The Only Way Is Essex star Jordan Wright, following the tragic discovery of his body in a drainage canal in Thailand. The 33-year-old British national was found face down in stagnant water near Bang Tao Beach in Phuket on Saturday afternoon, around 12:30 pm, by a Burmese worker harvesting vegetables.
Discovery and Initial Findings
Police reported that Wright was discovered wearing a grey shirt and black trousers but was barefoot. His body showed no apparent signs of physical assault, though officials noted it appeared to have been there for some time. A new iPhone 17 was found on a nearby bank, and his pocket contained a key card for Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao, located approximately a 20-minute walk from the site.
Police Investigation Details
Detectives confirmed there were no indications of forced entry or disturbance at the hotel. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suthirak Chuthong of the Choeng Thale Police Station stated that Wright is believed to have been dead for no more than two days before being found. The case remains under active investigation while authorities await official autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.
CCTV footage related to the incident has been collected as part of the case file but cannot be released at this stage. Lieutenant Colonel Chuthong emphasized that the exact cause of death cannot be confirmed until the autopsy is completed, and he encouraged relatives or friends with concerns to contact the police station.
Alleged Erratic Behavior
Prior to his death, Wright was allegedly seen running around erratically in the area, adding a layer of mystery to the circumstances. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed they are supporting Wright's family and are in contact with local authorities in Thailand.
Heartfelt Tributes from Friends
Wright's former manager described him as a 'fun lad' who 'lit up any room with his smile.' He recalled, 'I'm a good judge of character and I knew Jordan was a great person from the moment I met him. He was a very good looking lad, fun, with a great, wide smile. He tried TV for a bit but DJing was his real passion, that's what he wanted to focus on.'
The outpouring of grief highlights Wright's impact on those who knew him, as the community mourns the loss of a vibrant personality whose life was cut short under unclear circumstances.
