Jordan Wright, a former star of the hit reality television series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) and MTV’s Ex on the Beach, has died at the age of 33 in Thailand, casting a shadow of shock and sorrow over fans and friends alike. Wright’s body was discovered on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in a drainage canal near Bang Tao Beach on the Thai island of Phuket, just weeks after he had moved to the country for what he described as a “fresh start.”
Wright’s final days were documented on social media, where he posted vibrant photos and videos of himself scuba diving, riding boats at sunset, and exploring Thailand’s famous limestone cliffs around Ko Phi Phi. In his last Instagram post, shared only a week before his death, Wright smiled from an infinity pool, glass of wine in hand, declaring, “I’m home. FT The best bath I’ve ever taken,” alongside the Thai flag emoji. The post, once filled with congratulatory comments from friends, has since become a digital memorial, flooded with messages of heartbreak. “Oh Jord, gone way too soon. Rest in peace darling,” wrote one friend. Fellow TOWIE star Chloe Brockett simply commented, “Rest in peace Jordan,” followed by a red heart emoji.
Wright’s journey to Thailand was a recent one. According to The Mirror and Deadline, he had relocated to the Southeast Asian country a few weeks prior to his death, seeking a new chapter in his life. He had been open about his excitement, sharing in December 2025, “A very exciting year ahead,” and later posting videos of himself motorcycling through scenic Thai landscapes with the caption, “POV - You move to Thailand & chase the” followed by sun emojis.
On the morning of March 14, at around 12:30 pm, a Burmese worker harvesting morning glory vegetables near Bang Tao Beach discovered Wright’s body face down in stagnant water. According to police statements reported by The Daily Mail and The Sun, Wright was found barefoot, dressed in a grey shirt and black trousers. A hotel key card for the COCO Phuket Bangtao Hotel was retrieved from his pocket, and a new iPhone 17 was located on the canal bank nearby. No other valuables were found at the scene.
Police chief Sutthirak Chuthong of Choeng Thale district station confirmed Wright’s identity as a British national, stating, “The guest was identified as Mr Jordan Wright, a British national, whom the hotel had been unable to contact. A search of the room revealed no signs of forced entry or other irregularities.” Hotel records indicated that Wright had checked in alone and was due to check out on March 13, but he never did. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed Wright appearing restless, pacing back and forth outside the hotel before leaving the area. “His movements eventually led to the location where his body was later discovered,” Chuthong explained.
There were no immediate signs of assault or struggle, and Wright’s body was transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a post-mortem examination. “We are still waiting for the autopsy results from Vachira Phuket Hospital to determine whether drugs were present in his system,” Chuthong added. “The case remains under investigation while we wait for the official autopsy results. CCTV footage related to the incident is part of the case file and cannot be released at this stage. We cannot confirm the exact cause of death until the autopsy results are released. If relatives or friends have concerns about the cause of death, they can contact the police station.”
According to Deadline, local authorities and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are supporting Wright’s family and are in contact with Thai officials. An FCDO spokesperson told The Sun, “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Wright’s television career began in 2017 with MTV’s Ex on the Beach, but he is best remembered for his stint on TOWIE, where he appeared in seasons 22 and 23 in 2018. The series, which follows the lives of young people in Brentwood, Essex, has been a staple of British reality TV for over 15 years. Wright’s time on the show was not without controversy; he was reportedly dismissed after allegations surfaced that he had taken sick leave from his job as a firefighter in London to film the program. After leaving television, Wright returned to firefighting and later ventured into financial investment and DJing, as reported by The Mirror.
Despite stepping away from the limelight, Wright remained a beloved figure among his peers. The outpouring of tributes on social media reflects the affection and admiration he inspired. “Such a lovely person gone far too soon. Rest peacefully Jordan,” wrote one fan. Another added, “Can’t believe what I’m hearing. Lots of fun times and good memories with you mate. Rest easy.”
Wright’s final months in Thailand were filled with moments of adventure and reflection. His social media was a tapestry of fitness, motorcycling, and exploration, painting a picture of someone embracing life’s possibilities. In December, he posed with friends at The Big Buddha in Phuket, looking forward to what the future might hold. Yet, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in uncertainty, and for now, his loved ones and fans are left with memories and unanswered questions.
As the investigation continues and authorities await the results of the autopsy, the story of Jordan Wright’s life and untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of both the allure and unpredictability of starting over in a faraway place. For many, his legacy will be one of energy, warmth, and the indelible mark he left on British reality television and all who knew him.