Irish backpacker, 21, found dead in Thailand hotel room while ‘living his dream’ as mum pays tribute to ‘precious son’
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AN IRISH backpacker who was "living his dream" has been found dead in Thailand. Robby Kinlan, 21, died suddenly on the island of Koh Tao, where he had just completed an advanced free diving course, last Thursday. It is understood that the Co Clare man was found dead in a hotel room.
![[Photo of Robby in a wetsuit.]](https://www.thesun.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/msemail_85581625_1736687365405427_rjpeg-JS963471001.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Police have not confirmed his cause of death. Robby had been spending his time on the island with pals "doing what he loved", scuba diving and freediving in the clear waters off the coast. However, his devastated mum sadly confirmed over the weekend that her son had unexpectedly passed away on the island, which is on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand.
![[Photo of Robby.]](https://www.thesun.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/msemail_v__vvvJPG-JS963470995.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
In a heartbreaking tribute to Robby, mum Tracy King said: "RIP to my precious son Robby. "He is resting in a beautiful Temple in Koh Tao Thailand before his removal back to Ireland. "I am heartbroken and overwhelmed and so very grateful for all the kindness being shown to us at this time.
"Thanks to all friends and family. Thanks especially to the Guziuk family at Dive Academy Inis Mor.". Authorities are waiting for rough seas to subside before Robby's body can be sent to Surat Thai province on the mainland for a post-mortem examination.
It is understood that if his body cannot be brought back home to Ireland, he will be cremated at a Buddhist temple. Robby's pals have set up on a fundraiser on behalf his family in efforts to raise enough money to bring the keen diver home. Paying tribute to their friend, they told how his death has left them in "deep shock and sorrow", adding that they want to honour Robby by returning him home to his family in Co Clare.
