Bali Police Resume Investigation into Australian Tourist’s Death Amid Missing Heart Controversy
By Ni Komang Erviani, The Jakarta Post
Jakarta, Indonesia — Bali Police have reopened an investigation into the death of 23-year-old Australian tourist Byron Haddow, who drowned in a villa in North Kuta in May 2025. The case has drawn significant public scrutiny following revelations that Haddow’s heart was missing from his body when it was repatriated to Australia, raising serious questions and concerns from his family.
Discovery of Missing Heart Sparks Concern
The incident first gained renewed attention after Haddow’s family in Queensland, Australia, discovered that his heart was absent from the remains returned to them weeks after his death. According to Haddow’s mother, Chantal Haddow, this discovery compounded their grief and led to suspicions of possible foul play. “Just when I thought I couldn’t feel any more heartbroken, it was another kick in the guts,” she told Australia’s Channel Nine. “I feel like there was foul play. I think that something happened to him prior to being in the pool.”
After this unsettling discovery, the heart was eventually returned to the family in August, more than two months after Haddow’s passing.
Details of the Incident and Initial Findings
Bali Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy confirmed that Haddow’s body was found floating in the pool of The Grove Villa in North Kuta around 8 a.m. on May 26. Evidence from CCTV footage showed Haddow drinking alcohol in the company of three other Australians—Bailey Peter Woods, Kristy Lee Pepperell, and Jade Emeleah Lucas—the previous evening. However, the nature of Haddow’s relationship with the trio remains unclear.
The three companions reportedly left Haddow alone by the pool before retiring for the night. The following morning, Woods discovered Haddow floating in the water. Notably, the trio departed the villa immediately after the incident, before medical personnel arrived. Woods later returned following a request from villa management to provide Haddow’s passport.
An autopsy conducted at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital in Bali determined that Haddow’s cause of death was alcohol poisoning. Forensic tests revealed a high concentration of ethanol in his system alongside the presence of duloxetine, a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. Experts cautioned that the combination of alcohol and duloxetine could lead to central nervous system depression, impairing judgment and cognitive function, which might have hindered Haddow’s ability to save himself from drowning.
Official Response from Medical Authorities
I Made Darmajaya, medical director of nursing and support services at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital, addressed the controversy surrounding the missing heart. He emphasized that all autopsy procedures followed standard medical protocols and dismissed allegations of organ theft as baseless rumors.
“Our hospital has never engaged in any misconduct, especially organ theft,” Darmajaya stated. He explained that in some autopsy cases, the heart must be removed intact to accurately identify potential abnormalities, and analyzing heart tissue can take up to a month. This necessity led to Haddow’s body and heart being transported separately.
Family’s Legal Pursuit for Transparency and Justice
Representing Haddow’s family, legal counsel Ni Luh Arie Ratna Sukasari reiterated their commitment to uncovering the full truth surrounding his death. At a recent press conference, she highlighted the family’s concerns over serious legal, ethical, and human rights implications.
The family also expressed frustration at the lack of communication from authorities regarding the removal and delayed return of Haddow’s heart. They reported being charged an additional A$700 (approximately US$461) for the organ’s repatriation, without any prior explanation.
Ratna urged the Bali Police to undertake an independent, transparent, and thorough investigation into the incident. She pointed to troubling inconsistencies such as unexplained bruises on Haddow’s face and body, along with suspicious financial transactions in the days before his death.
“Transparency from all relevant institutions is crucial to uphold the rule of law and restore public trust in both law enforcement and medical authorities in Indonesia,” Ratna concluded.
Next Steps
In collaboration with the Australian Federal Police, Bali authorities plan to interview the three Australians who were at the villa with Haddow, as they had previously left the island without being questioned. The resumed investigation aims to provide clarity and, hopefully, justice for the Haddow family.
As this case unfolds, it has highlighted significant concerns regarding medical and legal procedures involving foreign nationals in Indonesia, prompting calls for increased oversight and accountability in such investigations.
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This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
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