Body of Australian Man Who Died in Bali Returned to Family With Heart Missing
The body of Byron Haddow, a 23-year-old Australian man who tragically died in Bali earlier this year, was returned to his family missing a vital organ—his heart. The unexpected absence sparked allegations of organ theft, prompting official statements and investigations from both Indonesian and Australian authorities.
Background of the Incident
Byron Haddow was found deceased in the plunge pool of his rented villa in Bali on May 26, 2025. His body was repatriated to Australia roughly one month later. Upon conducting a second autopsy in Australia, Haddow’s family and medical officials discovered that his heart was missing from the remains.
This discovery raised serious concerns and led to Canberra pressing Jakarta for explanations regarding the missing organ. Questions about the handling of Haddow’s body and the procedures followed in Bali quickly emerged.
Hospital Clarifies the Situation: Heart Sent to Queensland for Forensic Analysis
Prof. Ngoerah Hospital in Bali, where the initial forensic examination took place, has firmly denied any wrongdoing or malicious intent behind the removal of the heart. I Made Darmajaya, the hospital’s director of medical nursing and support, addressed reporters to dispel rumors of organ theft.
Darmajaya explained that the heart was not withheld for sinister reasons but instead was undergoing a separate forensic procedure required by law. “There is no interest of the hospital to withhold the heart. Actually, our interest was in the context of examination in accordance with the law,” he stated, noting that the organ needed additional preparation for pathological testing, which delayed its return with the rest of the body.
Supporting this account, Dr. Nola Margaret Gunawan, the forensic pathologist who conducted the initial autopsy in Bali, told The Sydney Morning Herald that the heart was retained deliberately for forensic purposes and that the family was informed and accepted this explanation.
Organ Eventually Returned Over Two Months Later
Despite the initial delay, the heart was transported to Queensland, Australia, in August, more than two months after Haddow’s death. This was confirmed by Ni Luh Arie Ratna Sukasari, the lawyer representing Haddow’s family.
The family’s legal team has described the case as one fraught with “serious questions” about the medical and forensic procedures followed in Bali. "This incident raises serious questions regarding medical practices in Bali. We affirm that what happened to Byron Haddow is a grave matter of law, ethics and humanity," stated Sukasari during a press conference.
Family’s Concerns and Call for Clarity
Byron Haddow’s mother, Chantal Haddow, expressed her anguish and suspicion following the revelations. Speaking to Australia’s Channel Nine, she said, “They just rung us to ask if we were aware that his heart had been retained over in Bali. Just when I thought I couldn’t feel any more heartbroken, it was another kick in the guts. I feel like there was foul play. I think that something’s happened to him prior to being in the pool.”
The family has urged for a thorough investigation, noting that the circumstances surrounding his death were highly suspicious and that a closer examination of his activities before his passing, including financial dealings, was warranted.
Findings from the Forensic Examination
The forensic report indicated that Byron Haddow had alcohol and duloxetine—a medication prescribed for depression, anxiety, and certain pain disorders—in his system. Investigators suggested that the interaction of these substances may have impaired his ability to respond when he entered the plunge pool, potentially making him unable to save himself.
Additionally, the examination revealed minor injuries such as abrasions on his forehead, eyelid, and knee. Experts concluded that these blunt-force traumas were not sufficient to cause death. Importantly, findings showed that Haddow was still alive when submerged in the water, as indicated by signs of breathing while in the pool.
Official Response and Ongoing Assistance
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to Haddow’s family but declined to disclose further details due to privacy considerations.
As the investigation continues, the case remains a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in cross-border forensic cases and has sparked dialogue on the medical and legal processes surrounding such incidents in Bali and beyond.
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