A 31-year-old man tragically drowned in Venice after falling into a canal on the first night of a holiday in Italy, an inquest has revealed. Chatchawan Thongpia was on a five-day trip with his girlfriend, Samantha Litchfield, when the incident occurred last November.
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According to evidence presented at the North Yorkshire Coroner’s Court, Thongpia left their hotel in search of a quiet alley to smoke some CBD he had purchased earlier in the day. Litchfield remained behind as they had been awake since 2:30 a.m. local time, leaving her gradually concerned about his prolonged absence.
In her testimony, Litchfield recounted how she had expected Thongpia to return quickly. His absence began to worry her, and eventually, she fell asleep. She was later awakened by the hotel receptionist informing her that the police were at the hotel, seeking information about her partner.
As the investigation unfolded, a bystander found Thongpia’s body around 6:30 p.m. that evening. Despite attempts to reach him through the bars of a nearby bridge, the strong current of the canal made any rescue impossible. By the time emergency services arrived, they were unable to revive him.
Surveillance footage obtained from the area showed Thongpia’s movements prior to the incident but did not capture the moment he fell into the water. Authorities believe he lost his balance, leading to the fatal fall into the canal. A post-mortem examination indicated there were no signs of foul play, ruling his cause of death as drowning.
Known for his adventurous spirit, Thongpia was described as an avid surfer with a reputation for being “unbelievably agile” and utterly fearless in the water, as noted by Carve Surfing Magazine. Following his passing, members of the UK surfing community organised a tribute paddle out in Cayton Bay, where friends and fellow surfers gathered to honour his memory.
The community’s response included plans for a surf competition after the tribute, showcasing the impact Thongpia had on those who knew him. He was remembered not only for his skills in the water but also for his vibrant spirit and passion for life.
As investigations continued, both the North Yorkshire Coroner’s Court and Italian authorities have not provided additional comments regarding the ongoing inquiries. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with water activities, even in familiar or seemingly safe locations.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Thongpia’s death have left a lasting imprint on those who loved him and those who shared the waves with him, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of safety while enjoying nature’s beauty.