Another Australian tourist’s heart removed after sudden death in Bali
Families of Australians who die suddenly in Bali are again grappling with distressing experiences following the removal of vital organs during autopsies — an issue that has recently come to light with the cases of Chris Yates and Byron Haddow.
Chris Yates, age 52, lived in Bali for 13 years and died suddenly at his home in 2023. His brother, Steve Yates, recounted the devastating moment when Chris’s body was returned to Australia missing crucial organs including his heart, liver, kidney, and stomach. “He came back an empty shell,” Steve said. Chris was described as a keen surfer who maintained a healthy lifestyle, including eating and drinking moderately and never experiencing illness prior to his death.
Similarly, Byron Haddow, a 23-year-old FIFO worker, died in Bali in May 2025. His body was found in a plunge pool at a private villa around 10 a.m. on May 26. Initially, authorities listed drowning as the cause of death, but subsequent investigations suggested he likely died due to the combined effects of alcohol and an antidepressant. Notably, an autopsy mishap resulted in Byron’s body being repatriated to Australia without his heart, forcing his family to pay $700 to have the organ safely returned.
Both cases involved forensic autopsies conducted by Dr. Nola Margaret Gunawan of Prof. Ngoerah Hospital in Bali, who stated that blunt trauma was the cause of death alongside toxicology results showing high ethanol levels. Regarding Chris Yates’s case, Dr. Gunawan attributed his death to the narrowing of heart arteries — potentially linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking or diet — leading to a heart attack. The presence of blood in his nose and mouth was attributed to asphyxia rather than physical injury. She also addressed concerns over the missing organs and questioned claims that DNA tests could not conclusively confirm the identity of Chris’s heart, suggesting advanced extraction methods could overcome preservation shrinkage.
The families have questioned the procedures and communication around these autopsies, highlighting delayed returns of organs and a lack of response from both Indonesian authorities and forensic personnel. Steve Yates revealed he sent numerous emails to Dr. Gunawan without replies, while Indonesian and Australian officials reportedly have also not adequately addressed their concerns. However, Dr. Gunawan claimed some emails were routed to her spam folder and contained threatening language.
Following these events, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it had provided consular support to the families and has raised concerns with the Indonesian government and Prof. Ngoerah Hospital over autopsy standards. The hospital has reportedly updated its procedures, now requiring written notification to the deceased’s family or appointed representative if retention of organs is necessary.
Meanwhile, Byron Haddow’s family awaits the outcome of a second autopsy performed by the Queensland Coroner’s Court. Bali police have engaged with the Australian Federal Police and consulate to further investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, including summoning witnesses.
These recent cases underscore ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding the handling of sudden deaths involving foreign nationals in Bali, highlighting the need for clearer protocols and better communication to support grieving families during difficult times.
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