Bali police reopen probe into Australian tourist's death after missing-heart discovery

By Hoang Vu September 26, 2025 | 01:00 am PT

Surfers carry their board past chairs and umbrellas along Kuta Beach near Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, on March 14, 2023. Photo by AFP

Bali police will resume their investigation into the May drowning of Australian tourist Byron Haddow at a villa in North Kuta after his family discovered his body was repatriated without his heart.

The family said they learned just days before the funeral that the heart had been removed without their consent or a clear explanation, prompting concerns about possible foul play, The Jakarta Post reported.

Bali Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said authorities plan to work with the Australian Federal Police to interview three Australians who were staying with Haddow at the time.

"Bali police have not yet had the opportunity to question the three Australians, as they left the island shortly after the incident," he said on Wednesday.

Haddow, 23, was found dead in the plunge pool of his villa while on holiday, AFP reported. His body was returned to Australia four weeks later, where a second autopsy found the heart was missing.

The Australian Consulate-General in Bali has conveyed the family's concerns to hospital officials.

The forensic doctor who conducted the original autopsy rejected allegations of wrongdoing.

"For forensic purposes, his heart was tested and was kept behind when the family repatriated the body home," Dr. Nola Margaret Gunawan told The Sydney Morning Herald on Monday.

Indonesia remains a popular destination for Australians; in 2023 it was the top country for short-term overseas trips by Australian travelers, according to official data.