Corey Walsh died on holiday after he was pulled from the sea unconscious and unresponsive. In an emotional tribute his loved ones have described him as a “one of a kind gentleman”
A 22-year-old man has died while on holiday in Thailand after diving from a tour boat while intoxicated.
The tragic incident happened on Tuesday May 6 when Corey Walsh boarded a boat to enjoy a 45 minute to an hour tour off the coast of Phuket leaving from the island of Koh Racha Yai. During the trip Mr Walsh dived off the Marinda 2 tour boat and into the water.
The young Australian tourist, who is a tradesman from Frankston, Melbourne, jumped into the water near a popular snorkelling spot. But, tragedy struck when he could no longer fight against the strong current and he is believed to have been dragged underwater.
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Emergency services were called at about 2.28pm local time after Mr Walsh was pulled from the water unconscious and unresponsive. Upon arrival at the port medics immediately administered CPR while Mr Walsh was still on the deck of the boat before rushing him by ambulance to Chalong Hospital in Phuket – a 15 minute car journey.
Sadly despite the best efforts of medical staff at the hospital Mr Walsh was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Kanen Somrak from the Chalong Police Station said Mr Walsh was one of seven foreign tourists on the tour boat. He said: “The victim had consumed a large amount of alcohol before entering the wate. He was reportedly intoxicated and repeatedly jumped in and out of the sea before eventually drowning.”
He also confirmed no illegal substances were found at the scene and only empty alcohol beverage bottle was discovered, reports MailOnline.
A GoFundMe was set up to help Mr Walsh’s family with funeral costs and any additional expenses. A message on the page read: “This is for a Corey, a young man who struck a-lot of peoples hearts for being a kind caring and just a beautiful soul. From a stranger, to family, to friends he seemed to put a smile on anyones face.
“We would like to help the family by doing this fundraiser to show support and just how much love this man bought to this world. Our condolences go out to the Walsh family and just a massive thankyou for bringing up this one of a kind gentleman.”
So far the GoFundMe page has received 100 donations totalling $10,725 and has a goal of raising $20,000.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said staff were supporting the family of the young man. He said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Thailand.”
It’s believed his body has arrived back home in Melbourne, with his family organising funeral arrangements.
You can donate to the GoFundMe page by clicking here.