Aussie tourist found dead at Phuket resort

Phuket Gazette

Australian tourist Judy Freshwater, who arrived in Phuket just yesterday,

was found dead by her husband late last night after failing to return to her

hotel room. Photo: Wichai Wittawat

PHUKET: -- An Australian tourist was found dead at a high-end Phuket hotel last night. Police believe she died after falling from an elevated walkway.

Lt Col Sarit Butnongsang of Cherng Talay Police said he received a call from staff at the Amanpuri Resort at Surin Beach at about 11pm.

At the scene, officers found the body of 65-year-old Judy Freshwater lying among the gardens, about 3.5 meters below the elevated walkway between the resort’s restaurant and hotel rooms.

Police told the Phuket Gazette that Mrs Freshwater and her husband checked into the hotel yesterday.

Mr Freshwater explained to police that the couple went out for dinner at the hotel restaurant, but he stayed on to have some drinks with friends.

His wife did not want to drink and went back to the couple’s room alone.

About two hours later he went back to the room, but he could not find her.

Mr Freshwater then went searching for his wife with the belief that she might be lost, as it was their first day at the resort.

But eventually he found her body lying below the walkway that leads to their hotel room.

Mr Freshwater told police that his wife suffered from diabetes and probably fainted while walking back to the room.

There were several sets of stairs along the walkway Mrs Freshwater used. The walkway also has a concrete safety rail along its entire length.

When found, Mrs Freshwater’s body showed injuries to both her lower shins, indicating the possibility of a fall on the stairs.

The Gazette called the Amanpuri this morning. However, the front office manager who answered the call said she was unaware of the incident.

Police are continuing their investigation into the death.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article11525.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2011-11-26

RIP.

Last summer, I checked out a somewhat upmarket resort in Pai, Mae Hon Son, but decided against staying there because I was afraid my infant daughter could fall from the elevated walkway in between the rooms and the swimming pool.

Sad story.

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. A very tragic story. My heart goes out to those affected by this tragedy.