Irish backpacker, 21, found dead in Thailand hotel room while ‘living his dream’ as mum pays tribute to ‘precious son’
AN IRISH backpacker who was "living his dream" has been found dead in Thailand.
Robby Kinlan, 21, died suddenly on the island of Koh Tao, where he had just completed an advanced free diving course, last Thursday.
It is understood that the Co Clare man was found dead in his bed in a hotel room.
Police have not confirmed his cause of death but it is understood that they are not treating it as suspicious.
Robby had been spending his time on the island with pals "doing what he loved", scuba diving and freediving in the clear waters off the coast.
However, his devastated mum sadly confirmed over the weekend that her son had unexpectedly passed away on the island, which is on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand.
In a heartbreaking tribute to Robby, mum Tracy King said: "RIP to my precious son Robby.
"He is resting in a beautiful Temple in Koh Tao Thailand before his removal back to Ireland.
"I am heartbroken and overwhelmed and so very grateful for all the kindness being shown to us at this time.
"Thanks to all friends and family. Thanks especially to the Guziuk family at Dive Academy Inis Mor."
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Authorities are waiting for rough seas to subside before Robby's body can be sent to Surat Thai province on the mainland for a post-mortem examination.
Police said they want to conduct the autopsy "as soon as possible".
Officers confirmed that Robby's friend raised the alarm at around 11am on January 9 after he knocked on his door but received no response.
Staff at the hotel could not open the door as it was locked from the inside.
Lieutenant Colonel Theeraphat Sanjai said: "They had to find a way to climb in and discovered that he had died in the room.
"The room had not been broken into or searched, and there were no signs of any assault."
It is understood that if his body cannot be brought back home to Ireland, Robby will be cremated at a Buddhist temple.
'IN A PLACE THAT MADE HIM HAPPY'
Robby's pals have set up on a fundraiser on behalf his family in efforts to raise enough money to bring the keen diver home.
Paying tribute to their friend, they told how his death has left them in "deep shock and sorrow", adding that they want to honour Robby by returning him home to his family in Co Clare.
The GoFundMe page said: "Robby wasn’t just a friend - he was the kind of person who lit up every room with his kindness and warmth.
"He was always the first to help others, putting their needs before his own without a second thought.
"In Thailand, he was surrounded by many friends and he was living his dream, spending his days doing what he loved - freediving and scuba diving in the place that made him happy.
"Now, we want to honor Robby in the best way we can by helping his mum and family.
"We want to give everyone the chance to say their goodbyes and celebrate the incredible person he was."
The heartbroken friends said that any support, no matter how small, would "mean the world" to Robby's family during this "unimaginably difficult time".
The '' page has so far raised €37, 240, surpassing its goal of €25,000.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
A spokesperson added: "As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases."
