Grimsby Family's Heartbreak as Joshua Kershaw Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel
The devastated family of 21-year-old Joshua Kershaw have spoken publicly about their heartbreaking final conversation with the "cheeky and happy" young man before he was discovered dead in a Bangkok hotel room. Joshua, a landscaper from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, had travelled to Thailand for a week's holiday but tragically never returned home.
The Final Conversation and Disappearance
Joshua Kershaw had flown to Thailand on January 12, 2026, for what should have been a relaxing break. His mother, Jenny, 39, spoke to him shortly after his arrival when he called home to discuss his journey. "He was doing fine," his aunt Jade Kershaw recalled. "He then told her he was going to get some food, and then we hadn't heard from him since."
The family became increasingly concerned when Joshua stopped responding to calls and messages, which was completely out of character for the young man who typically spoke to his mother daily. "It was so unlike him not to reply to messages or pick up his mum's calls," Jade explained. "We didn't report him missing at first as we thought he might have just lost his phone. But then Jenny got worried."
The Tragic Discovery in Bangkok
After days of failed attempts to reach Joshua, the family's worst fears were confirmed. Hotel staff discovered Joshua's body in his Bangkok hotel room on Wednesday, January 14, with a bandage wrapped around his arm. The 21-year-old had been staying in the Thai capital despite telling relatives he planned to travel to the southern resort of Pattaya.
Joshua's aunt Jade, 31, from Wakefield, described the moment police delivered the devastating news: "Police came round this morning at around 8am to Jenny's house today, and told her he has passed. She is absolutely devastated by the news."
Family Tributes and Investigation
In emotional tributes, Joshua's family remembered him as a joyful young man who loved to travel. "He was a cheeky chap and so full of joy," Jade said. "He was always happy and there were never any bad moments with him. He leaves behind his four little sisters, who all love him so much."
The investigation into Joshua's death continues, with authorities yet to determine the cause. His body has been taken to a morgue, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted before he can be returned to the UK. Joshua had been due to fly home on January 19, 2026, but never boarded his scheduled flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow.
Efforts to Bring Joshua Home
The family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of repatriating Joshua's body and his funeral expenses. "We started the GoFundMe and were planning to go and look for him in Thailand next week," Jade revealed. "The money will now go towards bringing Joshua's body back to the UK and his funeral costs."
In a heartbreaking social media post, Joshua's mother Jenny wrote: "As much as my heart is breaking right now, we have now located Josh, but unfortunately he was not alive. We are now trying to get his body back to the UK."
The family remain in contact with international funeral directors and Thai authorities, hoping for a swift resolution to the bureaucratic processes that must be completed before Joshua can finally return home to Grimsby.
