The family of a fitness enthusiast who died in Bali has spoken out after his body was repatriated to Australia without his heart, liver, kidneys, and stomach. Chris Yates, 52, a Bikram hot yoga teacher and avid surfer, died suddenly at his home in Bali on February 11, 2023. His brother Steve told news.com.au that Chris came back 'an empty shell'.
Chris Yates had lived in Bali for 13 years and was found floating face down in his pool with blood coming from his nose and ears. A friend had seen him jump into the pool after complaining of overheating. The family later discovered that his organs had been removed during an autopsy in Bali, and they were not returned for eight weeks. When they finally received the heart, there was insufficient genetic material to confirm it was Chris's.
The case has drawn comparisons to that of Byron Haddow, 23, a FIFO worker who died in a plunge pool at a Bali villa in May 2025. His body was also repatriated without his heart, and his family had to pay $700 for its return. Both autopsies were performed by Dr Nola Margaret Gunawan, a forensic medicine specialist at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital.
Dr Gunawan stated that the cause of death in both cases involved blunt objects and high levels of alcohol. For Yates, she cited narrowing of heart arteries due to an unhealthy lifestyle, but the family disputes this, noting his healthy habits. Steve Yates has sent numerous emails to Dr Gunawan and authorities without satisfactory responses. Dr Gunawan claimed the emails went to spam and that one contained threats.
The Daily Mail does not suggest a connection or foul play, but the similarities have prompted the Yates family to share their ordeal. The case highlights concerns about the handling of deceased Australians in Bali.
