KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel

A young British boxing hopeful was found lifeless at the swanky Vogue Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand.

The grim discovery of Joshua Goldstone in the early hours of Wednesday, October 30, has left friends and fans reeling, as the boxer’s Australian mate is battling for his life amidst the scandalous surroundings of a potential drug overdose.

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The 21 year old fighter’s body was discovered on the fourth-floor suite of the lavish resort, lying face-up next to his 27 year old Aussie comrade, Jayson Tonkin.

Friends have taken to social media to express their heartbreak.

“Rest in peace. It’s shocking news and so sad. You will be missed by many people.”

With Tonkin in a deep coma, the future remains uncertain for the Sydney-based Muay Thai fighter.

KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel | News by Thaiger
Picture of Josh Goldstone courtesy of Tapology

The plot thickens as Thai police delve into the murky circumstances surrounding the incident. Tonkin could be facing serious drug charges if he ever regains consciousness.

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Reports suggest the pair consumed a deadly mix of marijuana and illegal ketamine. Officers have swept the scene, confiscating drugs and paraphernalia, yet found no signs of a violent altercation.

In a bizarre twist, Thai police allegedly initially bungled the announcement, misidentifying Tonkin as the deceased. Police Lieutenant Thanawi Yarangsi clarified the confusion, while other officials insist a drug overdose seems the likely cause of this tragic event, reported the Daily Mail.

While family and friends hope for Tonkin’s recovery, the boxing world is left questioning whether he will ever step into the ring again.

Insiders whisper about his struggles with substance abuse, revealed in a candid podcast earlier this year. The Australian fighter had been in Thailand, preparing to knock out champion Tengnueng Sitjaesairoong, but the much-anticipated October 20 bout was called off due to torrential rain.

Now, Thailand’s strict drug laws loom ominously over Tonkin. If convicted of possessing ketamine, the punishment could be severe: a sentence that could keep him behind bars for up to five years.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign Office remains tight-lipped, ensuring the Goldstone family that they are liaising closely with Thai authorities.

As the sun sets on the tragic tale in tropical Pattaya, unanswered questions remain about the fate of the surviving fighter and the loss of a promising British talent.

KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel | News by Thaiger

KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel | News by Thaiger
Pictures of Jayson Tonkin and the fateful bedroom where Josh Goldstone was found dead courtesy of Tonkin’s Instagram

Original story: Australian man dies of suspected drug overdose in Pattaya hotel

An Australian man died today of an alleged drug overdose in a Pattaya hotel, according to a heavily intoxicated friend.

Officers from the Mueang Pattaya Police Station and rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Foundation were called today, October 30, to investigate the death at a hotel on Pattaya Sai Sam Road in the Bang Lamung district. The dead Australian man has been identified as 27 year old Jayson Peter Tonkin.

Tonkin was found lying on the floor, wearing black shorts and a waist bag, but was shirtless. Police did not detect any signs of struggle or theft but found ketamine and cannabis in the room.

Tonkin’s friend was present at the scene and was reportedly drunk when speaking with the police. Rescuers provided first aid to the deceased’s friend and rushed him to a hospital for a health check.

Hotel workers reported to the police that they heard a noise coming from the foreigners’ room and went to investigate. They encountered the dead man’s friend standing outside the room, shaking. He asked the workers to check on his friend, who had suddenly stopped breathing.

The hotel staff did not feel safe investigating the room themselves, so they called officers from the Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the scene.

Following the discovery of the drugs and his friend’s intoxication, police suspected that Tonkin died from a drug overdose. However, officers have not yet concluded the case and were waiting for the deceased’s friend to be sober enough to attend questioning.

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Bob Scott

Bob Scott is an experienced writer and editor with a passion for travel. Born and raised in Newcastle, England, he spent more than 10 years in Asia. He worked as a sports writer in the north of England and London before relocating to Asia. Now he resides in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is the Editor-in-Chief for The Thaiger English News. With a vast amount of experience from living and writing abroad, Bob Scott is an expert on all things related to Asian culture and lifestyle.

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