TOWIE Star Jordan Wright Found Dead in Thailand Drainage Ditch

Key facts

• Jordan Wright, 33, was found dead in a drainage canal on Phuket, Thailand, on March 14.
• CCTV footage from March 12 shows Wright sprinting down a road, glancing over his shoulder.
• Wright had moved to Thailand in December and was reportedly looking forward to a positive year.
• Thai police found no immediate signs of physical altercation or forced entry at his hotel room.
• An inquest into his death opened this week and has been adjourned until September 14.
• Wright previously starred in 'The Only Way Is Essex' and 'Ex On The Beach'.
• He had returned to his career as a firefighter before moving to Thailand.

Tragic Discovery on Thai Island

The final hours of reality television personality Jordan Wright have come under scrutiny following his discovery on the Thai island of Phuket on March 14. The 33-year-old, known for his appearances on 'The Only Way Is Essex' and 'Ex On The Beach', was found lifeless in a drainage canal. Police suspect his body may have lain undiscovered for up to two days. Wright had relocated to Thailand in December, reportedly anticipating an "exciting year ahead." His presence in Thailand had been documented on social media, with recent posts depicting him enjoying boat trips, scuba diving, and riding motorbikes, painting a picture of a man embracing a "new life" in the country. However, chilling CCTV footage captured on March 12 shows a starkly different scene: Wright, aged 33, sprinting down a quiet Phuket road, repeatedly glancing behind him as if in pursuit or distress. Further footage from the same night appears to capture Wright engaged in a heated phone conversation, with his words suggesting a sense of urgency and potential conflict. "Before they come back, let’s get them back in the head and have a f*ing shootout," he is heard saying. Another snippet captures him stating, "You better fking perform yourself. I’m gonna go for a long time, man, you’re gonna be late for your homecoming."

Unfolding Circumstances and Police Investigation

indicated that Wright left his hotel on the island's northwest, crossing a car park during the night. The exact circumstances leading to his body being found face down in a nearby canal remain unclear. CCTV captured him at 11:37 p.m. on March 12, shortly before he was seen running back to his hotel. Police are investigating whether he was fleeing another individual. Thai police, led by Police Chief Sutthirak Chuthong of the Choeng Thale district station, have stated there is currently no evidence to suggest Wright was being followed on the night of his death. His body also reportedly showed no signs of a physical altercation. A search of his hotel room revealed no signs of forced entry or other irregularities, according to hotel management and police. The case remains under active investigation as authorities await the results of an autopsy. While an initial post-mortem examination was conducted at Vachira Hospital on Phuket, it is unknown if or when the findings will be made public. It is anticipated that a second autopsy may be performed in the UK, given the sudden and unexplained nature of Wright's death.

A Life Beyond Reality Television

Jordan Wright's journey into the public eye began in 2018 with an appearance on 'The Only Way Is Essex'. He later featured in 17 episodes of MTV's 'Ex On The Beach' in 2017. However, his time in the spotlight was relatively brief. Wright ultimately chose to step away from the world of reality television, seeking to return to his roots. He had previously spoken about his career as a firefighter, a role he held for six years before transitioning to television. In 2023, he expressed his profound satisfaction at receiving news of a new role as a firefighter, stating it meant a great deal to him and acknowledging his past struggles to find direction. Wright had also pursued a career in financial investment. This pivot back to a more conventional career path followed a period where he felt "hugely unfulfilled, stagnant and lost" in the reality TV industry, a stark contrast to the perceived "glitz and glamour" of the profession. His return to firefighting represented a significant personal achievement and a search for purpose beyond public perception.

Tributes and Inquest Proceedings

Following the news of Wright's death, numerous former co-stars and friends from the reality television circuit paid heartfelt tributes. Bobby Norris, a fellow 'TOWIE' star, shared a throwback photograph with the caption "RIP Lord… x." Chloe Meadows and Liam Gatsby, also from 'TOWIE', expressed their shock and fond memories, with Gatsby noting he had seen Wright in Thailand just a couple of months prior. Brandon Myers, who appeared on 'Ex On The Beach', shared his disbelief, while other reality personalities, including Chloe Brockett and 'Love Island's' Chloe Crowhurst, offered their condolences online. A close friend described Wright's funeral service, held at a 12th-century church in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, as "a lovely send off," with floral tributes including an anchor and one spelling out his name. An inquest into Wright's death opened earlier this week at Basildon Hospital, where a post-mortem examination was carried out. The results of toxicology tests are still pending. The inquest has been adjourned until September 14, with authorities continuing to piece together the events that led to his untimely demise.

Mental Health Concerns and Speculation

One of Wright's housemates in Thailand, a fellow British expatriate named Joey, suggested that Wright may have suffered a mental health episode on the night he died. Joey, who has reviewed unpublished police documents, believes Wright may have fallen into the flooded drainage ditch as a tragic accident resulting from such an episode. He noted that prior to Wright's departure for Thailand, several people in Britain had expressed concerns about his mental well-being. This perspective aligns with earlier worries expressed by some individuals who knew Wright. Despite widespread speculation surrounding the circumstances of his death, Thai police have maintained that there is no immediate evidence of foul play or that Wright was being pursued. The absence of visible injuries suggesting a physical struggle further complicates the narrative. The exact cause of death remains undetermined pending the final autopsy results. The investigation is ongoing, with CCTV footage forming a key part of the case file, though its release has been restricted at this stage. The complexity of the situation leaves many questions unanswered.

The bottom line

• Jordan Wright, a former reality TV star, was found dead in a drainage ditch in Phuket, Thailand, on March 14.
• CCTV footage shows Wright running frantically and appearing distressed shortly before his death.
• An inquest into his death has opened, with authorities awaiting autopsy results.
• Wright had previously expressed feeling unfulfilled in reality television and had returned to his career as a firefighter.
• Friends and housemates have raised concerns about his mental health in the period leading up to his death.
• Thai police have stated there are no immediate signs of a physical altercation or forced entry.