British tourist who died at Thailand beach suffered heart attack

A British tourist who died while swimming in the sea at a beach in Phuket, Thailand, died of a heart attack, an inquest heard on Thursday.

Edward Joseph Brookes, 63, from Ludlow, died at Karon Beach just two days before he was due to fly home. It was originally thought he had drowned, but Shropshire coroner John Ellery said he died from reflex cardiac arrest caused by immersion in water, reportsPhuket News.

Mr Brookes disappeared in the surf in front of the Karon Muncipality Stadium.

According to Nationmultimedia.com, Kata-Karon chief lifeguard Uten Singsom said: "By the time lifeguards noticed Mr Brookes was in trouble, he was about 70 meters from the shore."

Lifeguards rushed him back to shore but were unable to revive him.

Mr Brookes had enjoyed lunch with his 60-year-old wife, Marion, before heading out for a swim.

According to theShropshire Star, a statement from his wife described his death as a tragic accident.

Related articles

Horrifying video: Tourist boat sinks in Thailand

Tourists warned as huge crocodile spotted at Phuket beach