NewsBite

Bali police reveal Ryan Channing died from a ‘prescription medication overdose’

As his family prepares for his funeral, Indonesian police have revealed what caused the sudden death of Ryan Channing while on holiday in Bali.

Ian Thorpe's ex-partner Ryan Channing dies in Bali

Police have confirmed what caused the sudden death of skincare boss and model Ryan Channing in Bali earlier this month.

Mr Channing, who previously dated Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe, was rushed to hospital on May 6 after fainting in a Bali villa, where he had been holidaying with family.

Two days later, he died in BIMC Hospital in Kuta, where police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia he was being treated for an “overdose of prescription medication”.

He was 32 years old.

Channing’s death is not being treated as suspicious, police said, and no report had been filed as he died in a hospital.

channing was the first long-term partner of former Olympian Ian Thorpe after he came out as gay. Picture: Instagram @ryanchanning
channing was the first long-term partner of former Olympian Ian Thorpe after he came out as gay. Picture: Instagram @ryanchanning

Channing’s body was expected to return to Australia via a repatriation flight on Friday, with family to host his funeral in Perth next week.

His mother Joy who sat by his bedside during the businessman’s final days, made a statement thanking “everyone for their overwhelming love and support” through the “tragic time”.

In a tribute to her son, Mrs Channing said he “lived life to the fullest”.

Channing was a model and skincare entrepreneur. Picture: @ryanchanning/Instagram
Channing was a model and skincare entrepreneur. Picture: @ryanchanning/Instagram
The pair were vocal during the marriage equality plebiscite. Picture: Instagram @ryanchanning
The pair were vocal during the marriage equality plebiscite. Picture: Instagram @ryanchanning

“Constantly surrounded by excitement and creativity, with an undeniable drive to seek perfection in everything,” she wrote on Instagram.

“To be part of Ryan’s world, and to be swept up in his adventures and triumphs was a privilege for all of us.”

The family held two memorials in Bali: a dinner to remember the 32 year old, and another on the sand of Kuta beach where lanterns were lit and friends held a banner with Channing’s face.

The news of channing’s sudden death was announced by his younger brother, Jake on Instagram.

“It is with a heavy heart I announce that my brother Ryan has recently passed away on Sunday the 8th of May at 32 years of age,” he wrote.

“As we seek answers and try to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of my beautiful big brother, we ask for your prayers, support and privacy, he will be forever loved, never forgotten and forever young.

“To my big brother, I love you, I’ll see you one day soon you’ll be missed more than you know.”

Their sister Charis echoed the sentiment in her own heartbreaking tribute.

“Saying goodbye to you on Sunday was the hardest thing my family and I have ever had to do. 32 years young, you’re gone too soon,” she wrote.

Channing was the first long-term partner of former Olympian Ian Thorpe, after the swimmer came out as gay in an interview with Michael Parkinson following years of speculation.

The pair started dating in 2015 and finally separated in 2019.

He was also a model and skincare entrepreneur, who founded The Blaq Group – which is the largest skincare exporter in Australia.

In an emotional tribute, the company, remembered Channing for his “fun loving spirit”.

Originally published as Bali police reveal Ryan Channing died from a ‘prescription medication overdose’

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/olympics/swimming/bali-police-reveal-ryan-channing-died-from-a-prescription-medication-overdose/news-story/9fb405f67ef4eed6eebb81cc5cee28df