The tragic death of a young British tourist in Thailand has left his family devastated and seeking answers, following a sequence of events that began with a collapse in a Bangkok bar.
Night Out Ends in Tragedy
Joshua Kershaw, a 21-year-old from Grimsby in Lincolnshire, was enjoying a night out in the heart of Bangkok's bustling nightlife district on January 12 when the incident unfolded. According to witness reports and security footage, Joshua visited a bar near his hotel, Maxim's Inn, where he was seen sitting with a woman, ordering pizza, fried chicken, and two beers.
Sudden Collapse and Hospitalisation
At some point during the evening, Joshua reportedly fell from his seat and collapsed, losing consciousness. Bar staff, who suspected he may have choked on his food, called an ambulance, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. A witness described the scene, stating, "He then fell off his chair and collapsed, losing consciousness."
After receiving medical attention, Joshua was discharged from the hospital. Reports indicate that he then returned to Bangkok's lively party area, where he was captured on CCTV until around 5.45am, before being seen heading back to his hotel room while carrying two beers.
Discovery in Hotel Room
Tragically, Joshua's body was discovered by hotel staff in his room on the afternoon of January 13. Police were immediately called to the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. Authorities in Bangkok are currently awaiting autopsy results, which are expected to determine the precise cause of death, as reported by the Thai Examiner.
Family's Heartbreak and Delayed Notification
Joshua's family, based in Yorkshire, were unaware of his whereabouts, as they had believed he was in Pattaya, a popular tourism hotspot he had planned to visit. They did not learn of his death until nine days later, on January 21, when they were formally informed. His mother, Jenny from Wakefield, shared the devastating news in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing her grief and the family's desperate wish to bring his body home.
Support and Fundraising Efforts
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed their involvement, stating, "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and have been in contact with the local authorities." In response to the tragedy, Joshua's family launched a GoFundMe appeal to cover the costs of repatriating his body. The campaign has already raised over £12,000, demonstrating an outpouring of support from the community and well-wishers.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the risks faced by tourists abroad and the emotional toll on families left to cope with such sudden losses. As the investigation continues, Joshua's loved ones await further details while mourning the loss of a young life cut short in a foreign land.
