American Found Dead in Patong

PATONG BEACH: A 29-year-old American resident of Phuket was found dead in a Patong guest house on Sunday, according to Kathu police. Mr Korey Alan Lee, who worked for a Phuket dive company and had lived on the island for about three years, was found dead by his brother after the two had been involved in a long drinking session, police said. Mr Lee’s brother, Brian, 33, said the two had begun drinking outside his room at the guest house at about 2pm on Saturday, January 9, and continued until 2am on Sunday. Brian told police that when Korey went into the bathroom, he remained outside drinking. When his brother did not return, he went to investigate and found Korey collapsed near the toilet. Thinking his brother was simply drunk, he left him alone. Brian told police that about one hour later he again went to look for his brother and found him still lying near the toilet. He said Korey was not breathing. He contacted the guest house owner who then called the police. A doctor at Patong Hospital said it was “likely” Mr Lee died of heart failure. His body has been transferred to Phya Thai Hospital. The US Embassy in Bangkok has been informed of the incident. Mr Lee’s body will be sent to Bangkok for an autopsy later this week when his parents arrive in Phuket from the United States.