Family of dead Korean diver refuses to allow autopsy

The death of a Korean woman during a beginner dive in Phuket will remain a mystery as her family have refused to allow an autopsy to take place.

Hyunju Ahn, 36, died last Tuesday while diving at Koh Hae. 

Her husband Minchul Shin, 33, said that when they went underwater, Hyunju signalled that she was having problems. 

She was pulled out of the water but lost consciousness soon afterwards and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Police were waiting for doctors to confirm the cause of death as initial reports found there was no water in her lungs, but Hyunju’s relatives told police they would not allow doctors to conduct an autopsy.

“The victim’s son-in-law and husband were there at the time of the accident and they understand that it was her decision to do the try dive,” said Pol Cpt Wuttiwat Lianboonjinda.

“Her son-in-law explained the accident to her relatives and they seemed to understand the cause of her death and decided that doctors should not conduct an autopsy,” he added.

The Korean consulate confirmed that Hyunju’s body was repatriated on Saturday.

Story: Phuket News / Photo: Beth Williams

Related:

Korean tourist dies on beginner dive trip off Phuket



Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on