Backpacker trying to scare boyfriend 'accidentally' killed herself in Thai hotel
The mother of a British backpacker who was found dead in a Thailand hotel room says she "truly believes" her daughter did not mean to take her own life.
Abigail Brown is believed to have accidentally hung herself in an attempt to "frighten" her boyfriend after "rowing" with him, an inquest heard this week.
The 26-year-old was found lifeless on her bed by James Brum, 30, in the popular holiday island of Phuket.
The couple were holidaying when they had a row in the White Room nightclub and Mr Brown returned to the apartment “in a huff”.
It's understood Mr Brum gave her three hours to "cool off" but returned to the room and made the tragic discovery on January 7 this year.
Ms Brown's mother, Jane Rowland, told Portsmouth Coroner's Court about the moment Mr Brum called her in the UK.
“James said Abi is gone. We had a silly row, she went back to the room. She hung herself. She’s died," she said.
“He said [the row] was nothing. They did not really row. I did not see them all the time but they had a whole future planned.
“That night she had too much to drink. She had gone back in a huff.
“I know in her mind she thought he was going to follow her back, find her and they would move on and never have that row again.
“I truly believe Abi did not mean to take her own life. She meant only to frighten him or upset him or make him realise how upset she was in that moment.”
Ms Rowland told the court Ms Brown and Mr Brum were a "loving couple" and they were "going to get married and have four boys".
She said they had a whole future planned.
“Even though James was a mixed martial arts fighter, he was more like a librarian as a person. He’s soft and gentle," she said.
A Thai police report said Ms Brown, who had travelled to India, the Philippines and Australia after giving up her job as a PA in London, was found unconscious in the room wearing a black vest and black trousers.
The inquest heard the cause of death was given as asphyxiation or suffocation.
Coroner Samantha Marsh recorded a verdict of misadventure.
“I don’t believe that beyond all reasonable doubt that that was what she intended to do. From what I have heard I am going to record a conclusion of misadventure," Ms Marsh said.
“I believe Abi undertook a risk, and that was the risk of putting something around her neck but I don’t believe Abi intended the consequence of what she did.
“It’s a complete waste of what seemed like a very, very promising, happy life ahead for Abi and James together as parents."
Ms Rowland added they will always miss their daughter.
“We will always be saddened by the death of our beautiful daughter Abi. There is no one to blame for this moment of folly," she said.
“But there is a lesson to be learned. When young people travel to these hot exciting places with cheap and unregulated alcohol they need to look out for each other and always stay safe.”
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.
