Inquest opens into British backpacker’s death
An inquest is being held this week in Malaysia into the death more than a year ago of a British backpacker whose body was found eight days after he was believed to have gone on a jungle trek.
The body of Gareth Huntley, a 34-year-old from Leeds, was found on Tioman Island only about half a mile from the Juara Turtle project where he had been living and working as a volunteer.
A post-mortem examination revealed no external injuries and the cause of his death has never been explained.
Around 30 witnesses are being called to testify at the inquest at Kuantan’s special coroner’s court and Mr Huntley’s mother, Janet Southwell from Bradford, is due to give evidence.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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