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American tourist in rock-climbing fall dies in ICU

American tourist in rock-climbing fall dies in ICU

PHUKET: Police have confirmed that the American man who fell while rock climbing at Railay Beach on on Tuesday (Oct 16) has died from his injuries.

tourismaccidentsdeath
By Tavee Adam

Thursday 18 October 2018 06:07 PM


American tourist died of American Priell Schmalbach, originally from Florida, fell while rock climbing at Railay Beach, Ao Nang in Krabi (pictured). Photo: Koshy Koshy / Flickr

American tourist died of American Priell Schmalbach, originally from Florida, fell while rock climbing at Railay Beach, Ao Nang in Krabi (pictured). Photo: Koshy Koshy / Flickr

American Priell Schmalbach, originally from Florida, fell while rock climbing at Railay Beach, Ao Nang in Krabi.

He was recovered from the scene unconscious, never to wake again. (See story here.)

Mr Schmalbach died last night, Lt Col Aattapong Sanjaiwut of the Krabi Tourist Police had confirmed to The Phuket News this afternoon (Oct 18).

“He passed away at night at Krabi Hospital. Doctors did their best, but his condition was too dire,” he said.

“Finally, his relatives asked for him to be taken off life support,” he added.

Col Aattapong noted that officials and police were assisting family members who have now arrived in Krabi.

“Every relevant department of the police – Tourist Police, Immigration officers and Krabi Provincial Police – are providing what assistance they can,” he said.

Col Aattapong explained that an investigation into Mr Schmalbach has been conducted by the Krabi Tourist Police and the Ao Nang Police.

“We have inspected the scene and questioned his (Mr Schmalbach’s) wife,” Col Aattapong said.

“The investigation concluded that Mr Schmalbach fell by accident,” he added.

The Phuket News was informed by a family friend that Mr Schmalbach was on his honeymoon after being married on Oct 6.