British reality television fans were stunned this week by the tragic news that Jordan Wright, a former star of The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) and Ex On The Beach, has died at the age of 33. Wright’s body was discovered on March 14, 2026, in a drainage canal near Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand—a place he had recently called “home” in social media posts. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, with local authorities and the British Foreign Office working closely to determine what happened in the final hours of the much-loved TV personality’s life.
According to Daily Mail, Wright was found face down in stagnant water at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time on Saturday. A Burmese worker harvesting vegetables near the canal made the grim discovery and immediately alerted local police. Lieutenant Colonel Thongchai Matitham of the Choeng Thale Police Station confirmed, “At around 12.30pm on Saturday, March 14, a worker from Myanmar harvesting morning glory vegetables came across the body and alerted the police station.”
Wright was dressed in a gray T-shirt and black pants, but notably, he was barefoot at the time of his death. His brand-new iPhone 17 was recovered on a nearby bank, undamaged and not submerged in water. In his pockets, authorities found a hotel key card for COCO Phuket Bangtao, a hotel located about a 20-minute walk from where his body was found. Police said that Wright had been due to check out of his room on March 13 but never did, prompting hotel staff to try reaching him. When they searched his room, officers found no signs of forced entry or any irregularities.
Police chief Sutthirak Chuthong told Daily Mail that CCTV footage from the hotel showed Wright appearing restless and moving back and forth outside the premises before leaving the area. “His movements eventually led to the location where his body was later discovered,” Chuthong said. The footage, which has become a key piece of evidence, captured Wright behaving erratically in the hours before his death. No signs of physical assault or struggle were found on his body, and there was no evidence of forced entry into his hotel room.
Authorities have stated that Wright had likely been dead for no more than two days when he was found. “The case remains under investigation while we wait for the official autopsy results,” Chuthong added, emphasizing that the cause of death cannot yet be released. Investigators are particularly interested in whether any drugs were present in Wright’s system, with toxicology results from Vachira Phuket Hospital still pending.
In the days leading up to his death, Wright appeared to be enjoying his time in Thailand. As reported by The Independent, he posted photos and videos of himself scuba diving, riding a boat at sunset, and taking in the breathtaking blue waters and limestone cliffs around Ko Phi Phi. In one post, he described Thailand as “home,” suggesting a sense of comfort and belonging in the country. These glimpses into Wright’s final days have only deepened the sense of loss felt by fans and friends alike.
Wright’s sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of support for his family, both from the British public and officials. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said, “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.” The Independent has reached out to ITV, the Royal Thai Police, and the Foreign Office for further comment.
Jordan Wright first rose to fame in 2017 with his appearance on eight episodes of Ex On The Beach. The following year, he joined the cast of TOWIE, appearing in 17 episodes and quickly becoming a familiar face to fans of the long-running reality series. However, his time in the spotlight was not without controversy. Wright was allegedly removed from ITV after claims surfaced that he had taken sick leave from his job at the London Fire Brigade to film the show. The pressures of reality TV, it seems, weighed heavily on him.
In 2023, Wright spoke candidly about his struggles with mental health after leaving TOWIE. In a heartfelt social media post, he reflected on his decision to leave the fire brigade for reality television—a choice he described as ultimately unfulfilling. “People think it’s glitz & glamour but the truth is very far from public perception, I really struggled. When I left I lost a huge part of myself and my sense of purpose,” Wright wrote. He went on to thank those who supported him through what he called “the twisty path of uncertainty,” adding, “Redemption is a road that we all walk at some stage in our lives.”
Wright’s openness about his mental health resonated with many fans, who admired his willingness to speak honestly about the challenges of fame. After his stint on reality TV, he rejoined the firefighting service, seeking a return to the sense of purpose and community he had once enjoyed. “An incredibly emotional day for me today to say the least. This was me at 19 years old when I first joined the fire brigade. I had [an] enjoyable career for six years before I resigned to pursue a life in the limelight of reality TV. A choice that left me hugely unfulfilled, stagnant & lost,” he shared in a poignant reflection.
As the investigation continues, police are urging patience while they await the results of the autopsy and toxicology tests. With no evidence of foul play, authorities are focusing on piecing together a timeline of Wright’s final hours, drawing on CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence. The lack of obvious clues has left many questions unanswered, but officials are determined to provide clarity for Wright’s grieving family and friends.
For now, those who knew and admired Jordan Wright are left to remember a man who brought energy and vulnerability to the screen—and who, in his own words, walked the difficult road of redemption. His journey from firefighter to reality star and back again was marked by both highs and lows, but it was always lived with honesty and heart. The world waits for answers, but the legacy of his candor and courage endures.