The family of an Australian teenager who died while on holiday in Phuket, Thailand is desperately trying to raise funds to repatriate his body. The circumstances surrounding the death of 19 year old Daniel Talbot from Queensland have not been made public, but it’s understood he died suddenly, probably in Phuket, on Sunday, July 16.
The teenager’s former teacher says his parents are currently liaising with coroners to establish how Daniel died. Dean Harawira says the family is also dealing with insurance companies and various airlines in an effort to get their son’s body home.
“At this stage, details of his passing are a little vague and the family are trying hard to deal with coroners and insurance and airline companies to get Daniel repatriated home to Australia as soon as possible.”
Mr Harawira says he has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family’s efforts to get Daniel’s body back to Australia and to cover the costs of his funeral.
“All money raised will go directly to the family to assist with retrieving Daniel from Thailand and his funeral expenses. Daniel’s family would truly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer regardless of how small.”
Harlem Williams, a friend of Daniel’s posted a tribute on Facebook saying the teenager’s death has left him “heartbroken”.
“It hasn’t quite set in yet, because I don’t want to believe it but to my bro Daniel Talbot. We love you brother and I can’t comprehend that you won’t be around to brighten up our day. Rest easy. Now let’s get you home, my bro.”
To date, the online fundraiser has raised over AU$25,961 to help repatriate Daniel’s body, with another $4,000 needed to meet the family’s goal. A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says the family is receiving consular assistance.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Phuket. The Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Australian. Owing to our privacy obligations we cannot provide further comment.”
SOURCE: News.com.au
