Family Suspects Foul Play in Death of Noosa Man Byron Dumschat Found in Bali Villa Pool
The family of Byron James Dumschat, a 23-year-old man from Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has expressed deep concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death in Bali earlier this year. Authorities in Bali are investigating the case, with Indonesian police intending to question three Australian witnesses about Mr. Dumschat’s final hours.
Incident and Investigation Details
Byron Dumschat was found deceased in a plunge pool at an upscale villa in The Grove Bumbak, located in Bali’s popular Seminyak tourist area, on May 26, 2025. Despite the timing, the death was not officially reported to Bali police until four days later. Initial reports from authorities indicated that Mr. Dumschat drowned, with no immediate suspicion of foul play. However, his mother, Chantal Haddow, and the family suspect otherwise, citing injuries inconsistent with a simple drowning.
A forensic examination conducted in Bali revealed Mr. Dumschat had significant bruising and bleeding to his left forehead, right eyelid, and right knee due to blunt force trauma. Although the report stated this trauma was not fatal by itself, it noted that high levels of alcohol and an antidepressant found in his system could have weakened his condition. These findings have raised serious questions about the true cause and circumstances of his death.
Witnesses and Police Action
Balinese police seek to interview three Australians believed to have been present with Byron at the villa prior to his death. These include Mr. Dumschat’s friend and two women. Notably, all three were permitted to leave Indonesia without being questioned by police—a decision that has drawn criticism from the family’s legal representatives.
Ni Luh Sari, a lawyer from the Malekat Hukum International Law Firm representing the family, expressed concern at the lack of police interrogation before the departure of the witnesses. "For reasons not clearly explained, the police allowed all three to leave Bali without interrogation and without providing any account of the events leading to Byron’s death," she said. Indonesian authorities have requested support from the Australian Federal Police and consulate to secure statements from these individuals, but the family remains frustrated by limited engagement from the Australian consulate.
Issues with Autopsy and Repatriation
Adding to the family’s distress, Byron Dumschat’s body was repatriated to Australia on June 18, almost a month after his death, but notably without his heart. The heart remained in Bali for forensic examination and only arrived in Australia in mid-August after the family paid approximately $700 for its return. Despite this, there have been delays in confirming that the organ was Fleming’s.
Dr. Made Sudarmaja, chairman of the Bali Doctor Association, indicated the autopsy followed standard procedures. Nevertheless, the family and their lawyers question the medical practices and transparency surrounding the investigation.
Remembering Byron Dumschat
Mrs. Haddow described her son as a joyful and kindhearted young man. Byron worked as a fly-in, fly-out operator at mining sites around Darwin, maintaining a routine of two weeks working followed by a week at home in Cooroy with his family. “He was full of life, always smiling, and very respectful,” she said. Byron leaves behind two younger siblings, a 19-year-old brother and a 14-year-old sister.
Calls for Justice and Closure
The family has voiced dissatisfaction with the handling of the case by Balinese authorities and is calling for a thorough investigation, including analysis of financial transactions and CCTV footage from the villa on the night of Byron’s death. Queensland police and the Coroners Court of Queensland are also involved in the investigation.
Ni Luh Sari emphasized the family’s right to a transparent and professional inquiry, stating, “They are entitled to know the truth, to receive honest explanations, and to have their son treated with dignity and respect.” The family remains determined to pursue justice and seek full clarity on the circumstances leading to Byron’s untimely death.
Mrs. Haddow expressed the family’s anguish and unresolved grief, noting that with Byron’s strong swimming skills and health, “There’s no way he drowned.” The family’s quest for answers continues amidst an ongoing investigation that has gripped the community and raised awareness about important issues surrounding overseas deaths.
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