A Melbourne man who drowned while swimming with friends off a chartered boat in Thailand has been remembered as a spirited young soul with a “magnetic” personality.
Corey Walsh, 22, was swimming near the tourist island of Koi Racha Yai, south of Phuket, on Tuesday when he was pulled under by a strong current.
Corey Walsh has been remembered as a caring soul.Credit: Facebook
The roof plumber from Melbourne’s east was pulled unconscious from the water and given CPR, but he could not be revived.
John Walsh said his son had chartered a boat with seven friends who were all drinking and swimming together before the tragedy unfolded.
The family is still waiting for answers about the exact circumstances of his death.
Walsh told The Age his son was passionate about his job as a tradie and loved Muay Thai.
“He was magnetic, people instantly adored him,” he said.
Corey trained in a martial arts gym three times a week, and had sworn off alcohol for seven months before heading overseas for a two-week Muay Thai intensive in Thailand.
The Walsh family expressed their pain in a statement to Nine News on Sunday, thanking the many people who had reached out to them since Corey’s death.
“Corey was a well-loved and magnetic individual,” the statement said.
“Everyone he engaged with was instantly drawn in, and as a family we have been overwhelmingly surprised by the amount of people who have reached out to us since the incident. Dozens of people we have never met.”
Walsh’s body was due to arrive home in Melbourne on Sunday evening.
Ko Racha Yai is a small island about 20 kilometres south of Phuket, and is a popular tourism destination due to its white beaches, crystal-clear waters and snorkelling spots.
Friends posted tributes calling the 22-year-old a “genuine and outgoing” presence at work who always had a smile on his face.
“You were one of the most selfless people I know. Every single one of our memories, I will cherish and hold on to forever,” one friend posted on social media.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Thailand.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” she said.
With Roy Ward
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