French Volunteer’s Death Sparks Calls for Clarity

[geovalin]

 

 

The sudden death of 23-year-old French volunteer Lisa Girard-Fabre near Angkor Archaeological Park has sparked grief and growing calls for clarity, as her family and supporters question the official account provided by Cambodian authorities.

 

Girard-Fabre, who led the Education Project at Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE) in Phnom Penh, was found dead in a dry canal near Ta Som temple on 27 July. Police say she died of cardiac arrest due to over-exertion from running, with no signs of violence and all personal belongings intact. However, her family and friends remain unconvinced, citing a lack of detailed information and transparency.

 

Tributes have poured in across social media, notably a viral post by her friend Greg Lange titled “She Hitchhiked 10,000 KM to Help Children. She Never Made It Home.” Lange described Girard-Fabre as “full of fire” and “a healthy 23-year-old, training daily,” raising doubts over the plausibility of sudden cardiac arrest without further explanation.

 

Girard-Fabre’s journey to Cambodia was marked by extraordinary commitment: in 2024, she hitchhiked across 15 countries to raise €3,600 for PSE, supporting children in poverty. Her return to Cambodia earlier this year as an intern reflected her deep dedication to social work and the Cambodian youth she served.

 

Brigadier General Touch Sokun of the Siem Reap Provincial Police reiterated that the post-mortem confirmed death by over-exertion. Yet the emotional outpouring and persistent questions from the public suggest that the official narrative has not provided closure.

 

The case has reignited broader concerns about transparency and accountability in Cambodia’s handling of foreign nationals’ deaths, especially those involved in humanitarian work. As tributes continue, so do calls for a more thorough investigation and open communication from authorities.

 

 

-2025-08-08

[save the frogs]

11 hours ago, geovalin said:

Police say she died of cardiac arrest due to over-exertion from running,

 

AI says moderate jogging is good, but how do you know if you're over-exerting yourself?

Don't jog at all. Too much risk involved.