Another Australian Tourist’s Heart Removed Following Sudden Death in Bali
The families of Australian tourists who died suddenly while in Bali have been left devastated after learning that their loved ones’ bodies were returned to Australia without key organs, prompting concerns over autopsy procedures on the Indonesian island.
Chris Yates, 52, who had lived in Bali for 13 years, died unexpectedly at his home in 2023. His brother Steve recounted the harrowing experience of receiving Chris’s body back from Bali without his heart, liver, kidneys, and stomach – describing it as arriving “an empty shell.”
Similarly, the case of Byron Haddow, a 23-year-old FIFO worker, made headlines when his body was found in a plunge pool at a private villa in Bali on May 26, 2025. Authorities initially ruled his death as drowning, but a coroner later indicated it was likely due to the effects of alcohol and an antidepressant. A significant mishap during the autopsy meant that Haddow’s body was returned to Australia four weeks later without his heart. His grieving family had to cover the $700 fee for the organ’s safe return.
The troubling parallels between the cases have stirred public and family concerns, particularly regarding the removal of organs, the situation surrounding deaths in swimming pools, and theories that have emerged as a result, including the presence of bruises and abrasions on both bodies. While there is no suggestion of foul play, the circumstances have naturally drawn attention.
Dr. Nola Margaret Gunawan, a forensic medicine specialist at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital who conducted the autopsies in both cases, explained that blunt force trauma and high alcohol levels were involved in the causes of death. Regarding Chris Yates, she said his death was caused by narrowing heart arteries and a heart attack likely related to lifestyle factors such as smoking or diet. Dr. Gunawan clarified that the bloody discharge from his nose and mouth was consistent with asphyxia and not necessarily injury.
However, the families have raised concerns about the inability to corroborate autopsy findings through a second examination performed in Australia, especially since key organs like Chris Yates’s heart were retained in Bali for an extended period. When the organs were finally returned, they contained insufficient genetic material to conclusively verify their origin.
Steve Yates reported difficulty in receiving timely responses from authorities and medical officials in Bali, stating he sent multiple emails to Dr. Gunawan which reportedly went unanswered. The forensic specialist later indicated some emails ended up in her spam folder and included threats.
In response to these cases, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed providing consular assistance to the families involved. Senior Australian officials have engaged with Indonesian authorities and Prof Ngoerah Hospital to express concerns about autopsy protocols. The hospital has since reviewed and updated its procedures to require written notification to families or appointed representatives if any organs need to be retained for further examination.
Meanwhile, investigations into Byron Haddow’s death continue. Bali police, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police and Australian consulate, are attempting to locate two unnamed women who were reportedly partying with Haddow and a friend at the villa before his death. Haddow’s family is also awaiting the outcome of a second autopsy conducted by the Queensland Coroner’s Court.
These tragic incidents highlight ongoing challenges facing Australians dying overseas, raising important questions about medical examination standards and communication between authorities during such distressing circumstances.
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