Kickboxer found dead in Thai hotel room

A kickboxer died from an overdose of multiple drugs in a Thai hotel room, an inquest has heard. Joshua Goldstone was found dead at the Vogue Hotel in Pattaya, eastern Thailand, reportedly alongside his pal Australian boxing champion Jayson Tonkin, who was rushed to hospital and survived the ordeal. The body of the 21-year-old, who lived near the Kent border in Etchingham High Street, East Sussex, was discovered by Thai police on October 30.

Coroner Sarah Clarke opened an inquest into his death on Monday at Oakwood House in Maidstone. She says Mr Goldstone was found in Room 2412 at the Vogue Hotel. “This was a suspected drug overdose in a hotel in Thailand,” she told the court.



She adds Thai authorities originally gave the cause of death as “respiratory and circulatory system failure”. The young fighter’s body was repatriated to the UK on November 9. His cause of death was subsequently determined to be due to multi-drug toxicity.

A full inquest will be held at a later date. Mr Goldstone had shared stories on Instagram of himself in the ring in Hua Hin, a beachside town in Thailand, in the weeks leading up to his death. Tributes flooded in for the kickboxer after the devastating news of his death was announced last year.

Tunbridge Wells-based Semtex Muay Thai, only a few miles away from Mr Goldstone’s home, described him as an “integral member” of the gym’s family. “Josh has been a member of Semtex since he was a young teen and quickly became one of the family,” it posted on Instagram. “He was a strong-spirited, kind-hearted and fearless boy who inspired many of our younger team members.

“Josh was the joker of our Semtex family and, without fail, would put a smile on everyone’s face. “He was the definition of someone with a good heart. “Josh had a very successful fighting career, fighting mainly out in Thailand, taking some almighty wins, known for his aggressive and merciless style.

“And it was only just the start for him. Goodbyes hurt the most when the story was not finished.” A tribute website was set up for Mr Goldstone following his sudden death.

“Your light will continue to shine in our memories of such a fabulous young human being taken far too soon,” one lamenter wrote. “You lived your short life how you wanted to live it. Be at peace, Josh.

” Another said: “I’m missing you so much and the pain is unbearable. “But I feel your energy and will harness it forever. Shine on, you crazy diamond.

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