Australian dies in freak accident in Phuket after a night out with his wife
Sean Collins, 59, was returning from a night out with his wife, Carla Baird, 58, when it was believed he lost his footing on the stairs inside his Phuket hotel just after 1am on Thursday.
Ms Baird told police Mr Collins had walked ahead of her up the stairs, reaching the third floor, while 'staggering'.
She said he slipped before plummeting past her to the first floor.
First responders arrived to find Mr Collins lying facedown on the tiled floor at the base of the stairwell, surrounded by a pool of blood.
Medics administered CPR and rushed him to Patong Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Mr Collins and his wife went sightseeing earlier in the day before ending the evening drinking in the Patong district of the island.
They were due to check out of the hotel and return to Australia the following day.
Patong Police Lieutenant Wisanu Chumee said officers collected CCTV footage from the hotel and were investigating the incident.
He said the hotel's receptionist had heard a noise shortly after the couple arrived home.
'The receptionist saw them walk past,' he said.
'Five minutes later, staff heard a sound like someone falling from a height so they went to investigate.
'(They) found the man lying on the floor and bleeding with his wife nearby.'
One image from the scene, too graphic to publish, showed Mr Collins in a black singlet and shorts on his stomach on the ground floor.
A thick puddle of blood had massed around his head at the bottom of the stairwell.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Shocking truth behind Dubai's 'Porta Potty' parties where women are abused and degraded
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Fears are growing over sick Dubai 'Porta Potty' parties, where young women are lured in and forced to do the unthinkable. For many, Dubai is seen as a luxury playground consisting of gleaming skyscrapers, designer labels and influencers snapping selfies. However, behind the glamour lies a murky underworld, where women are lured to so-called ' Porta Potty parties '. It comes as a young model who was feared to have fallen victim to one of these vile parties has broken her silence from her hospital bed, reports the Mirror. Maria Kovalchuk, 20, was found dumped at the side of a road in Dubai with a broken spine and shattered limbs. The Ukrainian influencer, now recovering in Norway, has denied that citizens of the United Arab Emirates were to blame, but instead claims she was attacked by a group of 'rich Russian kids' after a hotel party turned violent. However, Maria's story has shed light on fears over grim ' Porta Potty parties ', where glamorous young female tourists are targeted in foul and demeaning ways. Young women - often glamorous tourists or aspiring influencers - are allegedly invited to these parties and promised luxury yachts, cash, and 5-star hotel stays. In reality, the truth is far more disturbing and could well land unfortunate guests in grave danger. Held aboard a luxury yacht as well as inside hotel rooms, Porta Potty parties are allegedly orchestrated by wealthy men, and centre around acts of degrading sexual humiliation, often involving bodily fluids. Those targeted are left with physical and psychological scars. Adult content creator Kay Manuel, from Australia's Gold Coast, previously told 'The promoters play it down. Saying, you'll just party, have a great time. Then get showered with gifts. In reality, you'll be expected to do unthinkable things.' According to Kay, another Australian woman known to her was hospitalised with devastating injuries after accepting an invitation from Dubai jewellery tycoons She continued: 'She had to get reconstructive surgery. She came back very emotionally scarred. It's not something that you can come back from and go 'oh well'. It's burned on your brain forever.' According to Kay, young influencers struggling with debt or brand deals are prime targets. She explained: 'They prefer to target Instagram models. They're less experienced than escorts.' Women caught up in these disturbing gatherings could also land in trouble with the law in the strict Gulf state, even if they're victims. Harrowingly, victims also run the risk of getting into serious difficulties with the law, in a country where sex workers can face six months behind bars. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, previously warned the Mirror that women involved in Porta Potty parties - even if they haven't consented - could be looking at charges of adultery or indecency, especially if such acts were carried out in the presence of married men. Ms Stirling said: " Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they're attending a private party - instead, they're thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk." If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Dubai Porta Potty parties - exactly what happens at degrading sexual abuse raves
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Concerns have grown over so-called Dubai Porta Potty parties, where young and vulnerable influencers are forced to do 'unthinkable things' For many, Dubai conjures up images of stylish influencers taking endless photographs against a glittering skyline. But there are those who warn of a darker underbelly to this decadent city, where women are lured to so-called 'Porta Potty parties'. This comes as Maria Kovalchuk, who was initially believed to be a victim of these disturbing gatherings, has opened up about her ordeal after she was discovered on a roadside in Dubai, with a broken spine and limbs. The 20-year-old Ukrainian model, who is now recovering in Norway, has denied that United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens were behind her horror injuries, instead pointing the finger at "rich Russian kids" she claims abused her after a hotel party. However, Maria's story has shed light on fears over grim 'Porta Potty parties', where glamorous young female tourists are targeted in foul and demeaning ways. Those invited to such parties may well expect an evening of opulence, tempted by promises of lavish gifts, high-end hotel stays, and wads of cash. In reality, the truth is far more disturbing and could well land unfortunate guests in grave danger. Held aboard a luxury yacht as well as inside hotel rooms, Porta Potty parties are allegedly orchestrated by wealthy men, and centre around acts of degrading sexual humiliation, often involving bodily fluids. Those targeted are left with physical and psychological scars. Adult content creator Kay Manuel, from Australia's Gold Coast, previously told 'The promoters play it down. Saying, you'll just party, have a great time. Then get showered with gifts. In reality, you'll be expected to do unthinkable things.' According to Kay, another Australian woman known to her was hospitalised with devastating injuries after accepting an invitation from Dubai jewellery tycoons She continued: 'She had to get reconstructive surgery. She came back very emotionally scarred. It's not something that you can come back from and go 'oh well'. It's burned on your brain forever.' As highlighted by Kay, who took a trip to Dubai earlier this year, aspiring influencers with debts and relatively few brand deals are more vulnerable. She explained: 'They prefer to target Instagram models. They're less experienced than escorts.' Harrowingly, victims also run the risk of getting into serious difficulties with the law, in a country where sex workers can face six months behind bars. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, previously warned the Mirror that women involved in Porta Potty parties - even if they haven't consented - could be looking at charges of adultery or indecency, especially if such acts were carried out in the presence of married men. Ms Stirling said: "Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they're attending a private party - instead, they're thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk." If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Family's horror as police officer dad dies suddenly playing with kids on beach trip
Paul Leslie Matts, 37, tragically died after suffering a medical episode during a holiday with his wife Danni and their four children. He worked as a police officer for 16 years An Australian family has been left heartbroken after a loving dad died suddenly while playing with his children during a beach holiday. Paul Leslie Matts, 37, suffered a fatal medical episode during the getaway with his wife Danni and their kids. He is survived by their children, Harlow and Xavier, who is eight months old, as well as stepchildren Archer and Jasmine. The young dad worked as a police officer for more than 16 years and was a sergeant with New South Wales Police. Family friends described Paul's death as devastating, as they launched a fundraiser to support Danni and her young children. Jenna McAtamney and Sarah Wilkinson wrote on GoFundMe: "Danni and her three children - ages 8, 7, and 8 months - are now facing life without their loving dad and step dad, Paul Matts, who passed away tragically and unexpectedly on July 8th, 2025. This loss has left the family devastated and in need of support as they begin to navigate this new reality. "Their youngest child Xavier, is just 8 months old. Danni is doing everything she can to stay strong for her kids, but she cannot do it alone." They said the money raised will help Danni take some time off to grieve and look after her children, as well as ongoing care for Xavier, emotional and financial support. Sharing the circumstances of the incident, Jenna and Sarah wrote: "We have had alot of people asking for details about the circumstances of Paul's death. With permission from Danni, Paul was on holidays with his Wife and kids. "Danni, Paul and their 4 kids were having a great time laughing and playing on the beach when suddenly Paul had a medical episode. Sadly he succumbed to this, we have peace knowing that Paul passed away, surrounded by the ones he loved the most." Paul had previously worked as the local policeman in the small town of Burren Junction and his MP Roy Butler had thanked him in parliament for organising a community day in 2020, reported. Mr Butler said: "To repay Burren for being so welcoming, Paul organised a family fun day for the town. "He moved heaven and earth to put on an afternoon and evening of entertainment – from slip 'n' slides, a visit from Santa, and a raffle for a family holiday. The purpose of the event was twofold: to say thank you and to help people take their minds off the drought. On behalf of Burren Junction, thank you." Family and friends have expressed their grief for Paul's passing on social media. One wrote: "A beautiful soul gone way too soon. RIP buddy." Another added: "So very sad to see someone so young pass away. RIP." In addition to his wife and children, Paul is also mourned by his parents, David and Julie, and his sisters Catherine and Rebecca.
