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Jordan Wright, the former TOWIE star, has been found dead in Thailand at just 33 years old. The British reality TV personality, known for his appearances on ITV’s The Only Way Is Essex, was discovered in a drainage canal near Bang Tao Beach in Phuket. His tragic death sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with castmates and fellow reality stars pouring in heartbreaking tributes.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Discovery Date: Found on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at approximately 12:30 PM local time.
- Location: Phuket, Thailand. A worker harvesting vegetables discovered his body in a drainage canal.
- Known For: Appeared on The Only Way Is Essex (2018) and MTV’s Ex On The Beach (2017).
- Personal History: From Basildon, Essex. Previously worked as a firefighter before pursuing reality television.
A Shocking Discovery in Paradise
Jordan Wright had moved to Thailand just weeks before his death, seeking what he described as a “fresh start.” In the days leading up to his tragic passing, he had shared multiple photos on Instagram showing him enjoying the island lifestyle. His final post featured him at an infinity pool holding a champagne glass with the simple caption “I’m Home.” He was staying at Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao and was scheduled to check out on March 13, but disaster struck before he could leave.
Local police chief Sutthirak Chuthong confirmed that a Burmese worker harvesting morning glory vegetables alerted authorities after discovering the body around midday. CCTV footage revealed that Wright had been pacing erratically outside his hotel shortly before his body was found. His brand new iPhone 17 was recovered on the bank nearby, and a hotel key card in his pocket led investigators to identify him.
Jordan Wright, former Towie star, found dead in Thailand at 33
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The TOWIE Years and Television Career
Wright rose to prominence in the British reality television world, first appearing on MTV’s Ex On The Beach in 2017 for eight episodes. He later joined The Only Way Is Essex, appearing in seasons 22 and 23 in 2018, where he became a fan favorite. His on-screen chemistry with Courtney Green led to memorable moments, including TOWIE’s first-ever on-screen fight involving her ex-partner Myles Barnett. He was also romantically linked to Vicky Pattison, a well-known reality television personality.
| Show | Year | Season/Episodes |
| Ex On The Beach | 2017 | 8 episodes |
| The Only Way Is Essex | 2018 | Seasons 22 and 23 |
| Hometown | Started | Basildon, Essex |
Before his television career took off, Wright had worked as a firefighter, a profession he eventually returned to after leaving the entertainment industry. In 2023, he revealed he had felt “hugely unfulfilled” by his time in reality television and rejoined the fire service as a fireman, looking for more meaningful work and stability in his life.
Tributes Pour In From the Reality TV World
The news of Wright’s death sparked an outpouring of grief from his former colleagues and friends. Chloe Brockett from TOWIE posted “Rest in peace Jordan” alongside a red heart emoji. Love Island contestant Chloe Crowhurst also paid her respects, writing “Rest in peace Jord” with white heart and cloud emojis. Liam Blackwell from TOWIE wrote “miss you already brother,” while Brandon Myers from Ex On The Beach commented “Lost for words bro. Amazing memories with you mate.”
“We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”
— Foreign Office Spokeswoman, UK Government
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Thai police confirmed that no signs of physical assault or struggle were found at the scene. Lieutenant Colonel Thongchai Matitham noted that CCTV footage showed Wright appeared restless and was moving back and forth near the hotel before disappearing. His movements eventually led to the location where his body was discovered. An autopsy is currently underway to determine the exact cause of death and to investigate whether alcohol or drugs may have been involved.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting Wright’s family and maintaining contact with Thai authorities as the investigation continues. Police found no valuables with his body, and notably, he had been barefoot and was not wearing shoes when discovered. His hotel room showed no signs of forced entry, raising questions about what circumstances led to his tragic end in the drainage canal.
From Firefighter to Television Star, What Happened in Between?
Wright’s journey reflected a common pattern for young people seeking fame and fortune through reality television. Starting as a firefighter at 19 years old, he transitioned to the entertainment world when he appeared on Ex On The Beach at age 22. However, the glamorous world of reality TV ultimately didn’t satisfy him. By 2023, he had deliberately stepped away from the spotlight and returned to his roots in emergency services, seeking the fulfillment he felt television couldn’t provide. His move to Thailand just weeks ago appeared to be another fresh start, a chance to rebuild his life away from the intensity of British reality television fame.
