Robbie Kinlan, a 21-year-old from Co Clare, died suddenly on Koh Tao, Thailand, where he pursued his passion for diving. His body was discovered in his room with a mobile phone and earphones, with initial post-mortem results indicating acute pulmonary heart failure. His mother described him as a “water baby,” kind, and selfless, while his brother Tommy expressed deep grief and gratitude for community support. Robbie had recently completed an advanced diving course and was enjoying his time on the island, which has a troubling reputation for unexplained tourist deaths. Friends have created a GoFundMe to repatriate his remains.
The mother of a young man who died suddenly on a Thai island said her son was a “water baby” and diving was “all he ever wanted to do”.
Robbie Kinlan, 21, from Kilty, Co Clare, died on Koh Tao last week.
His body was found on his bed with a mobile phone in his hand and earphones in, his family said.
Robbie’s sudden death was initially a mystery, but in an interview with Ireland’s Daily Mail newspaper yesterday, his family confirmed that an initial post-mortem examination revealed that Robbie died as a result of acute pulmonary heart failure. said. The family expects more concrete results in the coming weeks.
Robbie’s mother, Tracy King, told the Mail that her son’s “personality is his greatest talent”, how much he loves working with people and how he is kind and selfless. He said that he was shining brightly on others as well.
Robbie’s body was found last Thursday on Koh Tao, which some people refer to as the “Island of the Dead” due to the number of unexplained and suspicious tourist deaths. Robbie had just completed an advanced diving course on the island and was “living a dream,” friends said.
Dr. King paid tribute to his son, saying, “He was a freediver and a master diver. He went out there on November 20th of last year. He earned two certifications in the short time he was there. did.”
She said of his death: “Everything was very unexpected. He was in a very good place mentally and was being his true self.
“He’s been a total water baby since he started when he was 12, spending a lot of time in Lahinch and then moving back to Ynys Mór last summer.”One day he came out of the blue and said: . I have already booked my ticket. “That’s all he wanted to do.” That was where all the diving was,” she said.
Robbie (left) with his mother Tracy and younger brother Tommy
Robbie was found dead on Koh Tao last Thursday. Some call Koh Tao the “Island of the Dead” due to the number of unexplained or suspicious tourist deaths.
Officers said Robbie was three miles from Sairee Beach, where Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were bludgeoned to death in September 2014 – an incident that gave rise to the horrifying nickname ‘Death Island’. He was reportedly staying at a resort.
“He did very, very well there and supported himself.” [diving] Qualifications. His character was his talent. And I said to him: “Robbie, you have to be an actor or a bartender or someone who interacts with the public in some way.”
Robbie’s brother Tommy, 28, told the Mail he would do anything to be reunited with his brother.
He made the comments after a GoFundMe to return Robbie’s remains to Ireland reached more than €43,000 in less than a week.
Tommy said: “He got to work with tourists and they loved him. He had that attitude about himself. He was just fun and charming. People liked him because he was a target.”
He said the family is “forever grateful” for the money raised and the support they have received from neighbors and Robbie’s friends, but they just hope Robbie is still with them. Ta.
“He was a really good guy. He didn’t have bad bones. He was young and people weren’t so cynical about him yet.
“He had such a good outlook. He could see the good in any situation, which is why I respected him the most,” Tommy said.
“Other than that, he was struggling like everyone else, but he was really working on himself.”
Robbie’s friends have since launched a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for his repatriation.
Robbie’s body is currently being stored at the temple until it can be sent for an autopsy.
Police said today that the man was found with his mobile phone plugged into a wall outlet and charging.
“We talked a lot about supporting each other and how to solve problems we had. He did a really good job with that. He absorbed wisdom and talked to his elders. I listened to what he said and was doing well, but now he has passed away.”
He added: “You can offer me any amount of money you want, but I will refuse if you want me to give him back.”
Tommy said he and his family are continuing to deal with the Thai authorities, with the help of the Irish Consulate General, and hopes to have Robbie home by the end of the week, but said the final outcome could take longer. Ta.
He said: “The people on GoFundMe and those who are physically close to me have been a huge help and support and I’m really grateful.” We will be forever grateful for his assistance with the funeral. ”
Robbie was found unresponsive at around 11am on January 9th after a friend knocked on her hotel door. “The room had not been entered or searched and there were no signs of assault.” He died alone in the room,” Lt. Col. Teerapat Sanjay said.
Robbie’s friends, who attend a dive academy in Inismol, Co Galway, have launched a fundraising campaign to help bring his body home to his grieving mother.
One of Robbie’s friends decided to stay with Robbie’s body on Koh Tao to “not leave him alone,” his mother said.
Robbie was traveling through Thailand, “living a dream in a place that made me happy.”
Police search room after friend and staff find young traveler unresponsive
Robbie was staying at the Bang Tao Bungalow Resort on the island of Thailand.
Officers said Robbie was staying at a resort less than three miles from Sairee Beach, where Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were bludgeoned to death in September 2014, and the incident led to the attack on “Death Island.” It is said that this terrible nickname was born.
In the past 10 years alone, there have been more than a dozen cases of unexplained or suspicious deaths of tourists on the island.
On an island with a long history of violence and corruption, many believe incidents are covered up or not investigated properly to protect powerful local interests.