What happened to Darnel Kimbia in Bangkok?

Darnel Kimbia, a 24-year-old British man, died after falling from an apartment building in Bangkok, Thailand in September 2023. The coroner was unable to determine if his death was accidental or deliberate.

Why was the coroner unable to determine the cause of Darnel Kimbia's death?

The coroner stated that there was "insufficient evidence" to rule on how Darnel Kimbia fell from the apartment building. Blood tests showed he had alcohol in his system, but his family said they had never seen any signs of mental health issues.

What did Darnel Kimbia's family say about him?

Darnel Kimbia's family described him as a "wonderful human being" who enjoyed learning, playing sports, and traveling. His grandmother said he had "everything to live for" and his death "breaks my heart."

Home / Crime and Justice / Coroner Unable to Determine Cause of Brit's Tragic Death in Thailand

Coroner Unable to Determine Cause of Brit's Tragic Death in Thailand

13 Nov

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Summary

Darnel Kimbia, 24, found dead in Bangkok in September 2023
Coroner unable to say if fall was deliberate or accidental
Family said Kimbia enjoyed travel and had no known mental health issues

Coroner Unable to Determine Cause of Brit's Tragic Death in Thailand

In September 2023, the body of 24-year-old Darnel Kimbia was found on the ground outside an apartment building in Bangkok, Thailand. Kimbia, who had been living in the city for over six months, died from a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a rare type of stroke.

At an inquest held in the UK on November 13, 2025, Brighton coroner Joanne Andrews stated that she "cannot say how he came to fall or if this was a deliberate act by him." Pathologist Dr. Mark Taylor reported that Kimbia's injuries were consistent with a fall from height, but there were no other suspicious marks on his body.

Kimbia's family, including his mother Charmaine Baptiste and grandmother Beverley O'Geare, described him as a curious and adventurous young man who "truly wanted to see the world." They said they had never seen any signs of mental health issues and were unaware he was planning to travel to Thailand until he was already there.