The family of a 21-year-old British man, Joshua Kershaw, is mourning his death after he was discovered in a hotel room in Pattaya, Thailand. Kershaw had been missing for nine days, with his last known sighting on January 12, 2024. He was scheduled to return to the UK on January 19 but failed to board his flight, prompting authorities to label him a high-risk missing person.
Authorities in the UK quickly initiated a search for Kershaw after his family from Grimsby raised concerns about his disappearance. They launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist in the search efforts and to provide emotional support during this challenging time.
On January 21, Kershaw’s mother, Jenny Kershaw, shared the tragic news on Facebook that her son had been found deceased. In her emotional post, she expressed her heartbreak and pleaded for help in bringing his body back home. “Please help bring my boy home. He needs to be bk with me,” she wrote, adding, “I still can’t believe I’m never going to see u again u was so loved.”
The family’s fundraiser organizer, Jade, also shared the heartbreaking update, stating, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share this update. Our beloved nephew, Joshua, who had been missing in Thailand, has sadly been found deceased in his hotel.”
Jade emphasized the family’s devastation over the loss, noting that this was not the outcome they had hoped for. “We want to thank every single person who shared our page, donated, sent messages, and kept us in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” she added.
The GoFundMe page now aims to raise funds for Kershaw’s repatriation and funeral expenses, so he can be laid to rest surrounded by family and loved ones. “Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts as we grieve and try to come to terms with this heartbreaking news,” Jade concluded.
As the family navigates this unimaginable loss, support from the community has been indispensable. The GoFundMe page remains active for those who wish to contribute to their cause during this painful period.
