‘Kind’ man dies at Full Moon Party in Thailand

Alex Wyithe, 29, died after he went for a swim off the island of Koh Phangan at around 6pm on Saturday March 16.

He is reported to have been caught in a riptide and drowned.

His body was discovered along the beach at 9.30am the following morning.

This week his family said they are ‘heartbroken’ and ‘devastated’ by the news, but know Alex, pictured here, will be fondly remembered by hundreds of friends.

“He was cheeky, kind, caring, and never afraid to help,” Alex’s 24-year-old sister Samantha told the County Times this week.

“He was affectionate and always up for a laugh. Everyone loved him. Even if they spent just ten minutes with him. He had so many different groups of friends he would have to try and spread his time to see them all.

“We’ve had comments from people who say they only met him briefly but still remember his cheeky grin.”

Alex, a former pupil at Forest Boys School in Horsham, dabbled in many professions including property, and had previously trained to be a masseuse and nurse.

He grew up in the Roffey area and split his time between Horsham and Crawley in recent years.

He travelled to Thailand with a friend at the beginning of March.

Alex was island-hopping when he decided to attend the Full Moon Party - an all night event which takes place every month and has become famous among young revellers.

He had plans to go on to Australia.

Samantha said Alex has yet to be returned to the UK and a Facebook memorial page has been created in his honour.

Nearly 400 people have joined the group to post emotional tributes.

She continued: “It’s hard to grieve over someone who’s not here.

“We’re heartbroken, devastated.”

Alex spent a lot of time with his grandmother Rosemarie Powell, who paid tribute this week to her ‘absolutely wonderful’ grandson.

She said: “I keep expecting him to walk through the door.

“We look back at his life with fond memories.”

Rosemarie regaled the time the pair went on holiday to Cyprus together after one of her granddaughters accidentally booked two honeymoons.

The duo posed as honeymooners - much to the disbelief of fellow holidaymakers, said Rosemarie.

“Alex loved fun, he never liked to be bored,” she continued.

“He would go dancing with me in the evening and then go into town to the bars.”

She added: “Alex, however will we manage without you?”

Samantha wanted to take the opportunity to warn other travellers about the dangers of riptides and to be fully prepared when embarking on such holidays.

She stressed: “People should read up on where they’re going.

“And people need to make sure they’re with other people who they know and make sure they’ve shared each other’s insurance details.

“If Alex didn’t share his details with his friend I don’t know what the situation would be right now.”

The family is still trying to come to terms with the tragedy but would like to thank all those who have been supportive during this difficult time.