Island resident dies in Thailand balcony fall

Monday 22 January 2018

Louise Furey, a 27-year-old Irish woman who has been based in Guernsey, has died after falling off of a balcony in Thailand.

Ms Furey was from Glenties in Co Denegal, Ireland, but moved to Guernsey a number of years ago, and has since worked for Health & Social Care's children's services. A HSC spokesperson said staff were devastated to learn of the loss.

She only arrived in Thailand last Wednesday for a holiday, the Irish Mirror reported. Two of Ms Furey's siblings are understood to have travelled to Thailand since, to make arrangements following the incident.

Local police said it had launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Above: Ms Furey's resort in Thailand; Replay Residence & Pool Villa, Koh Somui. 

Update: a spokesperson for Health & Social Care said its staff were "devastated to learn of the tragic death" of their colleague.

"Louise worked at the Croft after moving to Guernsey a couple of years ago," it said.

"She was a wonderful young woman just starting out on a promising career, where her commitment to caring for children in particular was evident. We are working to ensure staff closest to Louise are supported and our thoughts are with her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time." 

In an interview with the Irish Mirror, Brian Carr, the Chairman of the Glenties Community Group, said "the entire town is numb following the news of the tragedy".

"Louise moved to Guernsey a few years ago but was a frequent visitor home. You would see herself and her close school friends catching up what had happened since they last met. There was about five or six of them in a very close gang of friends, of which some are also away from home," he said.

"Louise went on what would be called the trip of a lifetime just last Wednesday, with her boyfriend Sam to Thailand, unfortunately, a holiday that had such a tragic ending."