Koh Tao - Families mourn slain British backpackers

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KOH TAO
Families mourn slain British backpackers
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE FAMILIES of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, have paid tribute to the backpackers who were found dead on Monday. The pair were killed on Koh Tao in Surat Thani province.

Their families issued emotional statements through the Foreign Office speaking of their losses.

The family of Witheridge, who arrived in Koh Tao on September 12, paid tribute to her.

"Hannah was a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her," the statement said.

"She was selfless and caring and made each and every day that little bit more wonderful. Our family are utterly devastated and shocked by what has happened to our beautiful Hannah.

"To lose her in the way that we have is beyond comprehension. We are heartbroken and no words can possibly describe how we feel. As such, we would be extremely grateful to be left in peace while we come to terms with our loss."

The Miller family statement said: "David was an artist by temperament, so talented. He had a creative eye that he carried with him through life and in his degree. He was hardworking, bright and conscientious, with everything to look forward to.

"David was very giving to his family and friends and we all adored him. He will be sorely, sorely missed."

Miller had been travelling across Asia after finishing a civil and structural engineering degree at Leeds University in June. He wanted to return to the UK in the autumn to complete a Master's degree.

Miller worked as an intern in the St Helier offices of Australian mining company Consolidated Minerals. He was returning from a placement in Australia when he stopped off in Thailand for a holiday. Miller's family said he was due to leave Thailand on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, BBC reported that flags flew at half mast at Victoria College on Tuesday in tribute to Miller.

Headmaster Alun Watkins said: "David's tragic death, and in such dreadful circumstances, has come as a real shock to those who knew him and worked with him at Victoria College.

"He was a confident, articulate member of the college community with a good circle of friends. It is hard to comprehend how that life can have been brought to such a cruel and abrupt end."

Friends paid tributes to Miller on Facebook, describing him as a "gorgeous young man" who would be "missed by all".

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Families-mourn-slain-British-backpackers-30243526.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-18

[ToddinChonburi]

Very nice .

[ikurauni]

I feel sorry for the affected families and friends. RIP Are there any policemen there to assure the safety of the tourists?

[foxteen]

Hope they can get the bottom of this horrible thing...RIP

[petercool]

insensitive post removed along with replies to same