PHUKET – British reality television star Jordan Wright has been identified as the corpse found in a drainage ditch on the island of Phuket, authorities said on Friday.
According to reports by BBC, the 33-year-old Jordan Wright was discovered near Bang Tao Beach on March 14 after being reported missing the week before. Local media indicated that the body was found by a migrant worker in the area.
Authorities were only able to verify his identity early March 20.
Police said the individual had initially been reported missing when staff at his hotel were unable to make contact. A subsequent search of his room revealed no signs of disturbance or forced entry. Hotel records showed he had checked in alone and was due to check out last Friday, but failed to do so.
CCTV footage reviewed by investigators reportedly showed him behaving restlessly outside the hotel prior to leaving the premises. His movements were later traced to the location where his body was discovered. Authorities are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine whether any substances were present in his system.
Officials added that there were no visible signs of physical assault. Personal belongings, including his room key card and mobile phone, were found near the body.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign Office said support was being provided to the family of the deceased, and that officials were in contact with local authorities in Thailand.
Mr Wright had previously appeared on British reality television programmes, including The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) and Ex on the Beach. Reports noted that, in the weeks prior to his death, he had shared social media posts showing activities such as diving and motorbike riding while in Phuket.