Elderly Woman with Alzheimer’s Dies After Falling into Abandoned Pit

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A 72-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease was found dead after falling into an abandoned pit in Prachinburi province.

 

The incident occurred in the village of Nong Krachap, Moo 7, Dong Phra Ram Subdistrict, Mueang Prachinburi District. Police were alerted at around 14:30 on 6 April. Pol. Lt. Rattaphon Yodkhruea, duty investigator from Mueang Prachinburi Police Station, arrived at the scene accompanied by a forensic medical team from Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital and local rescue workers from Sawang Bamphen Thammasathan Foundation.

 

The body of Ms. Samroeng Owatsuwan, a local resident, was discovered near the edge at the bottom of a large, disused pit, approximately 50 metres wide, 100 metres long and over 10 metres deep. She was found lying face-down on her left side, wearing a black t-shirt and floral shorts. Her right leg was visibly fractured, though no signs of foul play or other external injuries were evident. Medical personnel estimated she had been deceased for around two hours before discovery.

 

Ms. Samroeng’s 66-year-old brother, Mr. Somsak Owatsuwan, told investigators that his sister had lived alone in a nearby house, approximately 200 metres from the pit. She had been battling both Alzheimer’s disease and a heart condition for over two years. He last saw her earlier that morning but grew concerned when she did not return home. After a search, he discovered her body at the bottom of the pit, a location she had previously visited to watch locals fishing.

 

Ms. Samroeng’s cousin, Ms. Nopparat Songsang, who serves as a member of the local subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO), confirmed the deceased had long suffered from health issues. “She often wandered aimlessly and had difficulty sleeping. The family had taken her for medical treatment, and though she lived alone, her younger siblings regularly brought her food and checked on her,” she said.

 

Authorities have conducted a preliminary examination at the scene and found no suspicious circumstances. Her body was transported to Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital for a full autopsy. Relatives have not raised concerns over the cause of death and will proceed with funeral arrangements.

 

 

-- 2025-04-08

 

 

 

[scubascuba3]

Bit suspicious that she just fell into a pit, Alzheimer's shouldn't be the cause of that

[edwinchester]

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Bit suspicious that she just fell into a pit, Alzheimer's shouldn't be the cause of that

Wandering around in a confused state.... Alzheimer's absolutely could be a contributing factor.

[phil2407]

🥲🥲

[scubascuba3]

7 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Wandering around in a confused state.... Alzheimer's absolutely could be a contributing factor.

Must be nice taking everything at face value and not being suspicious at all

[edwinchester]

15 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Must be nice taking everything at face value and not being suspicious at all

My dad spent the final years of life with dementia. It was incredibly sad and terrifying watching his mental decline. He would wander off out of the house having no idea who we were or where he was. He would have ferocious fights in his own home with entirely imaginary Intruders. I am taking nothing at face value just remarking that dementia victims wandering away from their home and getting into trouble is all too common as they have limited understanding of what they may be doing.