Fresh Details Emerge in Irish Diver’s Mysterious Demise on Death Island

[webfact]

 

by Bob Scott

 

Fresh details have emerged about the untimely death of Irish diver Robert “Robby” Kinlan, who was discovered lifeless in his room at the Baan Tao Bungalo Resort on Thailand’s infamous Koh Tao Island, also known for its chilling moniker, Death Island.

 

Local Thai police revealed that the young diver, found around 11am on Thursday, January 9, is believed to have succumbed to acute heart failure.

The 21 year old’s lifeless body was discovered by a friend, in the unsettling presence of his mobile phone, which was still connected to a wall socket.

 

“The death seems to be acute heart failure,” said Lieutenant Colonel Theeraphat Sanjai.

Due to turbulent waves, an autopsy is yet to be conducted, as local officials await safe passage to Surat Thani Hospital for confirmation of the young man’s cause of death.

 

Robby’s long-time friend said he’d known him for around five to six years and was clueless about any pre-existing medical conditions that might have led to this tragedy. The room, locked from the inside and showing no signs of forced entry or foul play, bore only the solemn stillness of an untimely end.

 

“There were no alcoholic beverages found in his room,” Lt. Col. Theeraphat said.

 

“I did not smell alcohol, just a musty odour.”

 

The room’s scene has been reported to the Irish Embassy in Bangkok, while Robby’s stunned family awaits answers and closure.

 

As the haunting legacy of Koh Tao looms large, the island continues to entice visitors with its stunning marine life, enchanting many despite its dark past. Meanwhile, concerned friends and family have rallied to raise over 38,000 euros (1.35 million baht) in a fundraiser to bring Kinlan’s remains back home.

 

From the unsolved murders of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in 2014 to this latest mystery, Koh Tao remains swathed in controversies and secrets waiting to be unravelled.

 

Update: Tragedy on Death Island: Irish diver found dead in hotel room (video)

 

 

Royal Thai Police revealed more news on the death of Irishman Robert “Robby” Kinlan who was on a scuba diving holiday on Thailand’s infamous Death Island. An RTP spokesperson announced the 21 year old from Clare, Ireland, was found dead in a hotel room.

 

Kinlan was discovered on January 9, lying lifeless on his bed in nothing but his boxer shorts. A friend tragically found him and despite urgent efforts, he could not be revived.

 

Police have revealed that the young Irishman was clutching his phone, which was still connected to a wall socket, although the device was locked when authorities arrived.

 

The small police station on Koh Tao, located roughly 250 miles south of Bangkok, now faces the challenge of waiting for turbulent seas to calm before Kinlan’s body can be transported to Surat Thani province on the mainland for a post-mortem examination, reported the Daily Mirror.

As the island, notorious for its mysterious deaths, faces scrutiny once again, Robby’s family mourns the loss of their beloved son who sought adventure and freedom.

 

 

Original story: Heartbroken Irish mum honours ‘special son’ lost in Thailand

 

The mother of a young Irishman paid tribute to her “special son” who died last week while scuba diving in Thailand. The heartbroken mother is now trying to repatriate the body of her beloved 21 year old son from County Clare, whose life was tragically cut short in Koh Tao.

Robert “Robby” Kinlan, died unexpectedly on January 9 while on the tropical paradise island of Koh Tao. Kinlan’s remains currently lie in a serene temple on the island of Ko Tao, nestled on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand.

 

Having recently celebrated the achievement of completing an advanced freediving course, the young Irishman was living out his dreams amidst the azure waves of Ko Tao.

 

In an effort to bring him back to Ireland, Kinlan’s friends from the Dive Academy in Inishmore, where he was a cherished member, have launched a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign. The campaign aims to support his grieving mother, Tracy King, who shared a poignant tribute on social media, accompanied by photos of the tranquil temple where her son rests.

 

“RIP to my precious son Robby. He is resting in this beautiful temple in Koh Tao, Thailand, before his journey back to Ireland. Thanks to all friends and family. Special thanks to the Guziuk family at Dive Academy Inis Mor.”

Kinlan’s friend remains on Ko Tao to ensure he’s “not alone” until his journey home starts. The Guziuk family lovingly described Kinlan as a young man who “lit up every room with his kindness and warmth,” capturing the essence of his generous spirit.

 

“Robby wasn’t just a friend, he was someone who truly brightened every space with his kindness and warmth. He was always the first to help others, prioritising their needs over his own without a moment’s hesitation.

“In Thailand, he was surrounded by many friends and was living his dream, spending his days doing what he loved: freediving and scuba diving in the place that made him happiest.

 

“Now, we seek to honour Robby’s memory in the most meaningful way by supporting his mum and family. We want to offer everyone the chance to say their goodbyes and celebrate the incredible person he was. Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to his family during this unimaginably difficult time.”

 

The community’s generosity has been overwhelming, raising over 30,000 euros (1.07 million baht) to date in the effort to bring Robby’s remains home, reported the Irish Examiner. If you wish to contribute to this heartfelt cause, you can donate via the GoFundMe page.

 

Details surrounding his death have yet to be released by Thai police.

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2025-01-14

 

 

[Denim]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

Local Thai police revealed that the young diver, found around 11am on Thursday, January 9, is believed to have succumbed to acute heart failure.

 

As 21 year old healthy young people with no previous conditions often do.

 

That place seems to have bad joss unless it is the media putting a magnifying glass on it making it appear worse than it is.

 

Who knows for sure.

 

RIP young man.

[BritManToo]

9 minutes ago, Denim said:

 

As 21 year old healthy young people with no previous conditions often do.

 

That place seems to have bad joss unless it is the media putting a magnifying glass on it making it appear worse than it is.

 

Who knows for sure.

 

RIP young man.

Usually people with undiagnosed heart problems discover those problems on their first dive.

 

Not to mention E38k seems a bit pricey for flying a small box of ashes back to the UK/Ireland, 25 quid should be enough for DHL.

Let's face it, there's no way the Thai authorities are gonna allow a real medical examiner to view that body.

[smedly]

was he scuba diving or free diving ?, the two are vastly different, he may have suffered a DCS incident

 

RIP

[Rimmer]

From the OP:

“There were no alcoholic beverages found in his room,” Lt. Col. Theeraphat said.

“I did not smell alcohol, just a musty odour.”

 

Some poisons are known to have a distinctive musty odor. A common one is arsine gas, a toxic compound of arsenic. It is often described as having a garlic-like or musty smell. However, not everyone can detect the odor, and relying on scent is not a reliable method for identifying poison.

Another example is strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid that may have a slightly bitter or musty odor in certain formulations.

[Liverpool Lou]

51 minutes ago, Denim said:

58 minutes ago, webfact said:

Local Thai police revealed that the young diver, found around 11am on Thursday, January 9, is believed to have succumbed to acute heart failure.

 

As 21 year old healthy young people with no previous conditions often do.

It is not unknown for young people to die and you are assuming that he was healthy with no undiagnosed conditions.   How do you know that he had "no previous conditions"?

[MikeandDow]

3 minutes ago, Rimmer said:

From the OP:

“There were no alcoholic beverages found in his room,” Lt. Col. Theeraphat said.

“I did not smell alcohol, just a musty odour.”

 

Some poisons are known to have a distinctive musty odor. A common one is arsine gas, a toxic compound of arsenic. It is often described as having a garlic-like or musty smell. However, not everyone can detect the odor, and relying on scent is not a reliable method for identifying poison.

Another example is strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid that may have a slightly bitter or musty odor in certain formulations.

An autopsy would determine this !!! a heart attack can happen any age !!

[Liverpool Lou]

56 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Let's face it, there's no way the Thai authorities are gonna allow a real medical examiner to view that body.

 What is "not real" about Thai pathologists?   

[BritManToo]

2 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Why not?  What is "not real" about Thai pathologists?

They find what their bosses tell then to find, which in this case will be nothing suspicious, then burn the body so nobody else can find different.

[Liverpool Lou]

21 minutes ago, smedly said:

was he scuba diving or free diving ?, the two are vastly different, he may have suffered a DCS incident

 

RIP

He was doing neither, he was in his hotel room.

[Liverpool Lou]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

They find what their bosses tell then to find, which in this case will be nothing suspicious, then burn the body so nobody else can find different.

Nonsense,  the pathologist has nothing to do with what happens to the body of a foreigner after the postmortem if it is being repatriated.

[MikeandDow]

In Thailand, autopsies are usually performed on non-Thai nationals who die,

When is an autopsy performed?

• Outside of a hospital: A police officer will investigate and may request an autopsy 
• In a hospital: An autopsy may be requested by the next of kin (NOK) if the cause of death is unclear, unnatural, sudden, or violent 
• Who performs the autopsy?

• Forensic doctors perform autopsies

• The autopsy is usually conducted at a major hospital or forensic institute within 24 hours of receiving the remains

What happens after the autopsy?

• The NOK will need a letter from the embassy to collect the remains
• The NOK will register the death at the local district office

[GammaGlobulin]

Actually, it is not uncommon for young people, age 21 or 22, with no prior history of health issues, to just suddenly die for no reason.

 

Take, for instance the case of:

 

 

Such deaths of natural causes are not infrequent.

 

 

[Hervey Bay]

Long Q syndrome causes sudden death and is not infrequent

[worgeordie]

He was found with a phone in his hand , that was plugged into a socket ,

how many times have i read on here that a person has been electrocuted

by this method , and we all know how good and safe electrics are here,

been electrocuted would cause a heart failure ,BUT I am sure the local

plod will have checked that ???

 

regards Worgeordie

[Denim]

42 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

It is not unknown for young people to die and you are assuming that he was healthy with no undiagnosed conditions.   How do you know that he had "no previous conditions"?

 

You would think a close friend of several years might have known something had there been previous conditions.

 

Robby’s long-time friend said he’d known him for around five to six years and was clueless about any pre-existing medical conditions that might have led to this tragedy.

 

Neither have his family mentioned any . 

[Liverpool Lou]

1 minute ago, worgeordie said:

He was found with a phone in his hand , that was plugged into a socket , how many times have i read on here that a person has been electrocuted by this method , and we all know how good and safe electrics are here, been electrocuted would cause a heart failure ,BUT I am sure the local plod will have checked that ???

That's the pathologist's job to determine at the postmortem, not the job of the police.

[frank83628]

47 minutes ago, Rimmer said:

From the OP:

“There were no alcoholic beverages found in his room,” Lt. Col. Theeraphat said.

“I did not smell alcohol, just a musty odour.”

 

Some poisons are known to have a distinctive musty odor. A common one is arsine gas, a toxic compound of arsenic. It is often described as having a garlic-like or musty smell. However, not everyone can detect the odor, and relying on scent is not a reliable method for identifying poison.

Another example is strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid that may have a slightly bitter or musty odor in certain formulations.

So you're trying to imply he was posioned rather than a 20yrs old divers room might smell of... 20yr old diver, damp salty dive gear, towels etc.

 

 

[Liverpool Lou]

Just now, Denim said:

46 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

It is not unknown for young people to die and you are assuming that he was healthy with no undiagnosed conditions.   How do you know that he had "no previous conditions"?

 

You would think a close friend of several years might have known something had there been previous conditions.

How could he, or the family, know about unknown conditions that may have been present?

[frank83628]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Usually people with undiagnosed heart problems discover those problems on their first dive.

 

Not to mention E38k seems a bit pricey for flying a small box of ashes back to the UK/Ireland, 25 quid should be enough for DHL.

Let's face it, there's no way the Thai authorities are gonna allow a real medical examiner to view that body.

Why

 

48 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

They find what their bosses tell then to find, which in this case will be nothing suspicious, then burn the body so nobody else can find different.

Another one living in fantasy land

[bkknirvana]

Lot of young men having heart issues these days.

[frank83628]

1 hour ago, Denim said:

 

As 21 year old healthy young people with no previous conditions often do.

 

That place seems to have bad joss unless it is the media putting a magnifying glass on it making it appear worse than it is.

 

Who knows for sure.

 

RIP young man.

Have you seen the amount of young 'fit & healthy' people that have been dropping down dead since 2021.

[Patong2021]

52 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

 What is "not real" about Thai pathologists?   

 

Their thoroughness and the reliability of the toxicology tests. It can take weeks if not months to perform these tests in advanced facilities, in countries with the technology like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UK. IMO, Thai investigations tend to conclude rather quickly.

[Liverpool Lou]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

From the unsolved murders of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in 2014

What?  Nonsense.

[BritManToo]

50 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Nonsense,  the pathologist has nothing to do with what happens to the body of a foreigner after the postmortem if it is being repatriated.

Really, I seem to remember a few cases where the body was 'accidentally' cremated, before being returned to the west.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

“The death seems to be acute heart failure,” said Lieutenant Colonel Theeraphat Sanjai.

Due to turbulent waves, an autopsy is yet to be conducted, as local officials await safe passage to Surat Thani Hospital for confirmation of the young man’s cause of death.

Case closed, nothing to see here.

[Patong2021]

2 minutes ago, bkknirvana said:

Lot of young men having heart issues these days.

 

In large part because the technology  now exists to detect and diagnose the heart disease or defect. Combined with the negative impact of diet and sedentary lifestyles, we see the greater likelihood of a diagnosis of heart disease. 

 

[frank83628]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Really, I seem to remember a few cases where the body was 'accidentally' cremated, before being returned to the west.

Really, I suppose you have names and information for this?

[Bundooman]

If the room was locked from the inside, how did the friend find him dead?

[Flyguy330]

Broke the door down?