British Tourist Joshua Kershaw Collapses and Dies in Bangkok Prompting UK Coroners to Open New Investigation

A new chapter has opened in the mysterious death of 21-year-old British tourist Joshua Kershaw, who was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room earlier this year.

Wakefield Coroners have ordered a second post-mortem in the UK after the Thai investigation left questions unanswered.

The Final Hours in Thailand

Joshua Kershaw, from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, had traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, for a week-long holiday, checking into Maxim’s Inn hotel on January 12.

While he had told his family he intended to visit Pattaya, eyewitness accounts suggest he never left the capital.

On January 14, Joshua was seen at a local bar eating pizza and fried chicken.

Bar staff later reported that he collapsed, suspecting he may have choked.

He was rushed to Chulalongkorn Hospital but reportedly discharged himself before returning to the bustling party district.

By 5:45 a.m., he was seen returning to his hotel carrying two beers. Maids discovered his body later that afternoon.

Return to the UK and Family Concerns

Joshua’s body was repatriated to the UK and laid to rest at Wakefield Crematorium, West Yorkshire, on February 25.

While Thai authorities conducted their investigation, the family felt something was off.

His aunt, Jade Kershaw, said a second post-mortem was requested because “several things didn’t add up” from the initial Thai report.

Wakefield Coroners confirmed that the post-mortem has been completed in the UK, but results are still pending.

The family has been given a preliminary cause of death, which they have chosen not to disclose to avoid confusion.

Family Statements and Unanswered Questions

Jade Kershaw shared: “The coroners decided to perform another post-mortem.

I don’t want to go into a lot of detail, but there were a lot of different things from the Thai investigation that didn’t add up.

Hopefully, this one can confirm how he died.”

Tragically, because Thai authorities were initially misinformed that Joshua had traveled to Pattaya, no one knew of his death until a week later.

West Yorkshire Police have stated they were “not involved” in the decision to conduct the UK-based post-mortem.

Impact and Consequences

This development has highlighted the difficulties families face when a death occurs abroad.

Conflicting reports and delayed notifications can leave loved ones in limbo.

For the Kershaw family, this second investigation is a critical step toward closure and clarity.

What’s Next?

The family and authorities await the results of the UK post-mortem, which may shed light on any inconsistencies from the Thai investigation.

Depending on the findings, it could prompt further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Joshua’s death.

Summary

Joshua Kershaw’s sudden death in Bangkok continues to puzzle both his family and authorities.

A second post-mortem in the UK aims to uncover the truth, after uncertainties in the initial Thai investigation.

The family hopes the results will finally answer lingering questions.

Bulleted Takeaways: ‘Pollen bomb’

• Joshua Kershaw, 21, from Grimsby, found dead in Bangkok hotel on January 14.
• Eyewitnesses saw him collapse at a bar; hospital visit followed but he discharged himself.
• Body discovered in hotel room by maids later that afternoon.
• Initial Thai investigation left questions; Wakefield Coroners ordered second UK post-mortem.
• UK post-mortem results are pending; family seeks clarity after preliminary cause of death.