A British tourist drowned after falling into a canal in Venice while on holiday, an inquest has revealed. The victim, 31-year-old Chatchawan Thongpia, was visiting the Italian city with his partner when the incident occurred on the evening of November 3 last year.
Details of the incident
Mechanical engineer Chatchawan Thongpia, who lived in Scarborough and also had an address at Brooklands Farm in Exeter, was on the first night of a five-day trip with his partner Samantha Lichfield. According to Ms Lichfield, Mr Thongpia left their hotel to smoke CBD that he had purchased earlier that day, while she chose to stay behind.
Ms Lichfield stated that Mr Thongpia intended to find a quiet alley where he could smoke without anyone smelling it. She expressed growing anxiety as time passed, saying she did not expect him to be gone for long.
Witness account
The inquest at North Yorkshire Coroner's Court heard that a witness was walking near Campo Santa Marina at around 6:30 PM when they spotted a body in the water. The witness attempted to grab the person through the bars of a bridge but was unable to hold on due to the strong current. Another family on the bridge was asked to contact emergency services. When Mr Thongpia was recovered, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Partner's ordeal
Ms Lichfield was trying to sleep when she was awakened by the hotel receptionist, who informed her that the police were downstairs. Italian police reports indicated that some of Mr Thongpia's movements were captured on CCTV, but not the moment he entered the canal. Authorities believe he accidentally fell into the water, likely after losing his balance, and was carried tens of metres by the strong current.
Post-mortem findings
A post-mortem examination revealed no injuries suggesting an assault, and it was concluded that there was no third-party involvement in his death. A cannabinoid was found in Mr Thongpia's system, which the pathologist said was likely consumed three hours earlier. The report stated it was possible, but not probable, that this impaired his motor skills. The medical cause of death was drowning.
Coroner's conclusion
Coroner Catherine Devereux noted that police believed Mr Thongpia may have leaned against a railing and accidentally fallen into the water. However, she told the hearing, "No-one witnessed how he came to be in the canal that evening." Ms Devereux recorded an open conclusion.
