Jordan Wright, a British reality television personality known for appearing in The Only Way Is Essex, has been found dead in a drainage canal in Phuket, Thailand, at the age of 33.
Wright’s body was discovered at approximately 12:30pm on 14 March by a member of the public, who alerted officers from Choeng Thalay Police Station. He was found lying face down in a drainage canal close to Bang Tao Beach, wearing a grey shirt and black trousers and no footwear. A hotel keycard for the nearby Coco Phuket Bangtao Hotel was found in his pocket, with his mobile phone located on the canal bank beside him.
CCTV footage obtained by police showed Wright appearing agitated outside the hotel shortly before his body was discovered. Officers subsequently visited the hotel, where staff confirmed he had checked in alone and had been due to check out the previous day, on 13 March. Nothing suspicious was found in his room.
Investigators reported no signs of physical violence or a struggle at the scene. Wright’s remains were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where a post-mortem examination is being carried out. Police have confirmed they are awaiting those results to establish the cause of death and whether alcohol or other substances were a factor.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it was supporting Wright’s family and was in contact with local Thai authorities. Wright had announced on Instagram in January that he had moved to Thailand, with his final post — shared on 6 March — featuring highlights from his time in Phuket.
Tributes have poured in from friends and acquaintances across social media. One person commented on his final Instagram post: “No words. Love you Jord.” Another wrote: “Can’t believe what I’m hearing. Lots of fun times and good memories with you mate. Rest easy.” A gym he had attended in Phuket also paid tribute, with another friend adding: “You’ll be sorely missed my friend, may you rest in eternal peace.”
The results of the post-mortem examination are expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death.
