A British property expert found deceased in his Vietnam hotel room suffered an 'unnatural death', a coroner's inquest has concluded. The tragic case involves 25-year-old Harleigh Jones, an international sales specialist based in Ho Chi Minh City, who assisted overseas buyers with property investments.
Inquest Details and Cause of Death
Harleigh Jones was discovered in his hotel accommodation on June 12, 2025, with subsequent toxicology reports revealing a dangerous combination of prescription medications in his system. The young professional was repatriated to his hometown of Pontypridd in South Wales, where a post-mortem examination was conducted.
Pathologist Dr Jason Shannon identified the provisional cause of death as the combined toxic effects of gabapentin, pregabalin, olanzapine and benzodiazepines. Coroner Graeme Hughes stated during the proceedings: 'I have sufficient reason to suspect that his death is unnatural. Following the post-mortem and toxicology reports, it appears that drugs were involved in the cause of his death.'
Professional Background and Personal Tributes
Describing himself online as an 'International Property Specialist' and 'Brand and Communications Manager', Harleigh worked extensively across South Asia as well as in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. His professional focus involved helping expatriates navigate foreign property markets.
Following his untimely passing, his mother shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing: 'Heartbroken. My forever young, beautiful, blue-eyed boy. Words could never describe the pain I feel right now that I will never hold you in my arms again. That cheeky smile. That infectious laugh that we will all remember you for. You will always be Mammy's boy. Love you forever and ever, my handsome baby Harlz.'
Similar Tragic Incident in Vietnam
This case follows another concerning incident earlier in 2025, when a British woman and her South African fiancé died from methanol poisoning in a Vietnamese hotel they had operated together for ten months. Thirty-three-year-old social media manager Greta Marie Otteson and 36-year-old barista Arno Els Quinton purchased homemade limoncello from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve.
Otteson was discovered on her bed, while Quinton's body was found in a room where he kept musical instruments. In disturbing WhatsApp messages to her parents the day after consuming the beverage, Otteson described experiencing 'the worst hangover ever' and reported seeing 'black spots', expressing her intention to 'sleep it off'.
The inquest into Harleigh Jones's death has been adjourned pending further investigation, with a date to be fixed for continuation of proceedings.
