Ex-TOWIE star Jordan Wright found dead in Phuket canal under mysterious circumstances
The sudden death of British reality TV personality Jordan Wright in Thailand has left fans shocked and authorities searching for answers. The 33-year-old former The Only Way is Essex and Ex on the Beach star was discovered dead in a drainage canal near Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, raising questions after reports of unusual behavior captured on CCTV just hours before his death.
Wright, a former firefighter from Basildon, Essex, had recently moved to Thailand earlier this year, marking what appeared to be a fresh start away from the UK spotlight. But his life was tragically cut short in circumstances that remain unclear.
Body found face down in ditch with belongings nearby
Authorities confirmed that Wright’s body was found at around 12:30pm on Saturday by a Burmese worker, who alerted police from Choeng Thalay station. He was discovered lying face down in stagnant water in a drainage canal close to Bang Tao Beach, a popular tourist area in Phuket.
Police said Wright was barefoot at the time of discovery but still dressed in a grey shirt and black trousers. His personal belongings were found scattered nearby, adding another layer of intrigue to the case.
His newly purchased iPhone 17 was recovered from a nearby bank, while a key card for Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao was found in his pocket. The hotel is located approximately a 20-minute walk from where his body was discovered.
Officers noted that the body appeared to have been in the canal for some time, though they estimated he had died less than 48 hours before being found.
CCTV shows “agitated and erratic” behavior before disappearance
One of the most concerning developments in the case is CCTV footage showing Wright’s final known movements. According to police, he was captured outside his hotel acting erratically, appearing restless, pacing back and forth, and running around in a visibly agitated state.
Investigators believe these movements eventually led him away from the hotel and toward the area where his body was later discovered. However, what caused this behavior remains unknown.
Police chief Suthirak Chuthong stated that there was no immediate evidence of foul play, but the unusual nature of Wright’s behavior has led authorities to keep all possibilities open while awaiting medical results.
No signs of assault or disturbance found
Initial findings from the scene have not indicated any clear signs of violence. Police said there were no visible injuries suggesting physical assault, and no evidence of a struggle was found either at the canal or inside Wright’s hotel room.
Investigators also confirmed that there was no forced entry or disturbance inside his accommodation. His room appeared normal, with no suspicious items or activity detected.
This has led officials to focus on other possible causes, including accidental death, a medical episode, or substance-related factors.
Autopsy and toxicology tests expected to reveal cause of death
Wright’s body has been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where a full post-mortem examination is underway. Authorities have confirmed that toxicology tests are being conducted to determine whether drugs or other substances were present in his system at the time of death.
The results of the autopsy are expected to be crucial in establishing the official cause of death. Until then, police have not ruled out any possibilities but have stated that, at this stage, there is no clear evidence of criminal involvement.
For updates on international travel safety and support services, readers can refer to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Checked in alone but never checked out
Hotel records revealed that Wright checked into Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao alone and was scheduled to check out on March 13. However, staff later reported that he never completed the checkout process.
This detail has become a key part of the timeline investigators are working to reconstruct. Combined with CCTV footage and the discovery of his body nearby, authorities are attempting to piece together his final movements in Phuket.
From firefighter to reality TV fame and controversy
Wright first rose to prominence through British reality television, appearing on ITV’s The Only Way is Essex and MTV’s Ex on the Beach. His appearances, combined with his personal life and relationships, helped him build a recognizable public profile.
He was previously in a relationship with reality star Vicky Pattison, further increasing his visibility in the entertainment world.
However, his career was not without controversy. In 2018, Wright was reportedly dismissed from The Only Way is Essex after claims surfaced that he had taken paid sick leave from the London Fire Brigade in order to film the show.
Following that period, he gradually stepped away from mainstream television and began focusing more on DJing, which friends say was his true passion.
Recent move to Thailand marked a new chapter
Earlier this year, Wright announced on social media that he had relocated to Thailand. The move was seen by many as a chance for a fresh start, away from the pressures of fame and past controversies.
Friends described him as someone who wanted to rebuild his life, focus on music, and embrace a different lifestyle abroad.
Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife and international community, is a popular destination for expats and tourists alike. More information about the region can be found through official Phuket provincial resources.
Tributes pour in from friends and loved ones
Following confirmation of his death, tributes flooded social media from friends, colleagues, and fans. Many remembered Wright as charismatic, energetic, and full of life.
His former manager described him as “fun, with a great, wide smile,” adding that although he explored television, his real passion was DJing and music.
The outpouring of grief highlights the impact he had on those who knew him personally, as well as those who followed his journey through reality television and beyond.
Family receiving support as investigation continues
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office confirmed that officials are supporting Wright’s family and are in contact with Thai authorities during the ongoing investigation.
As the case develops, many questions remain unanswered. The combination of erratic behavior, the absence of clear signs of violence, and the location where his body was found has made this a deeply unsettling case.
For now, the focus remains on the autopsy results, which are expected to provide critical clarity. Until then, the death of Jordan Wright stands as a tragic and mysterious end to a life that once played out in the public eye.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
