A promising life has been cut short. Former Reality TV Star Jordan Wright, known for “The Only Way Is Essex” and MTV’s “Ex on the Beach,” has died at 33.
GBN reported that the star was found in a drainage canal in Thailand. Authorities added that Wright’s body was discovered Saturday afternoon near Bang Tao Beach in Phuket. A worker found him face down in stagnant water around 12:30 p.m. local time. Officials believe he may have been there for some time and said there were no visible signs of physical assault.
The Daily Mail reported that his phone was recovered nearby, and a hotel key card for Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao was found in his pocket.
CCTV Footage and Ongoing Investigation
The Daily Mail reported that Police said CCTV footage showed Wright behaving erratically in the hours before his death. Investigators later traced his movements from his hotel to the area where his body was found.
Officers said there were no signs of forced entry or disturbance in his room. He had checked in alone and was due to check out on March 13, but never did.
“The case remains under investigation while we wait for the official autopsy results,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Suthirak Chuthong, as reported by The Daily Mail.
The statement added: “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.”
Authorities said they are awaiting toxicology and autopsy results to determine the exact circumstances of his death.
Career From Reality TV to Fire Service and Finance
Wright, a native of Basildon, Essex, first gained recognition through reality television, appearing on “Ex on the Beach” in 2017 before joining “The Only Way Is Essex” the following year.
While pursuing television work, he was also serving with the London Fire Brigade. He later stepped away from the spotlight, returning to the fire service before eventually transitioning into the financial sector.
His LinkedIn profile listed him as a director at a London-based firm specializing in alternative investment strategies.
In the months leading up to his death, Wright had been spending time in Thailand, sharing moments from what appeared to be a new chapter focused on travel, fitness, and life by the coast.
Friends and Community Pay Tribute
News of Wright’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans.
One friend wrote on Instagram: “Heartbroken to lose such a special soul and beautiful friend.”
Another shared: “Can’t believe what we are hearing.”
One added, “Oh, Jord, gone way too soon. Rest in peace, darling 🕊️❤️”
Another tribute read: “Such a lovely person gone far too soon. Rest peacefully, Jordan. 🥺❤️🪽”
His former manager also reflected on the impression Wright left on those around him. In a statement to The Daily Mail, he said: “I’m a good judge of character, and I knew Jordan was a great person from the moment I met him. “He was a very good-looking lad, fun, with a great, wide smile. He tried TV for a bit, but DJing was his real passion; that’s what he wanted to focus on.”
A close friend also shared a deeply personal tribute, remembering Wright as someone who brought joy and meaning into everyday moments. In an Instagram story accessed by EntertainmentNow, she wrote:
“Rest in paradise, Jordan. We’ve lost a really special soul. I’m so gutted to know I won’t ever get to see you again. Thank you for the special memories we made, thank you for showing me some beautiful spots and sunsets in Thailand, thank you for taking me on the best and most beautiful motorbike ride, thank you for dancing for hours with me, thank you for teaching me old cockney slang and Brazilian jiu jitsu, and showing me endless memes and funny videos.”
The message continued with reflections on their bond and Wright’s outlook on life.
“You were someone I spent hours with just talking and laughing about every single topic. I could never get bored of you and your knowledge. Someone I was comfortable enough to sing with, someone I could talk all things music and share my favourite random songs with, and you just appreciated it. You appreciated all of it, you were just getting everything you had ever wanted out of life, and I could feel how happy you were with your new life.”
Closing the tribute, the friend wrote: “This hurts so much. I wish I got to spend more time with you, I will cherish our memories for the rest of my life, I miss you so much already. Thank you for touching my soul and being a beautiful friend. I’ll love you forever.”
Others described him as someone who brought warmth and energy wherever he went, with many calling his death “absolutely heartbreaking” and saying he would be “sorely missed.”
According to The Mirror, a spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed support for his family. “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”
As the investigation continues, those who knew Wright are remembering him not only for his time on screen, but for the kindness and spirit they say defined his life.
Don’t believe the government. Sounds like murder. Nice guy like that would not commit suicide or harm himself.
Never been to Thailand but many friends live there..like most places, it can be very dangerous