Thailand beach murder: David Miller ‘died a hero’ stopping Hannah Witheridge from being raped

The grieving father of murdered backpacker David Miller has spoken about the loss of his son, saying that the 24-year-old ‘died a hero’.

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by Fiona Day |
Updated on

Ian Miller spoke from his home in Jersey where he and the rest of David’s family are mourning their sudden and tragic loss.

David’s father also revealed that he and the rest of his family have been ‘kept in the dark’ about the Thai investigation following their son’s murder.

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He said: “It has become clearer and clearer that it is quite likely David was stepping in to help a girl who was in trouble.

“That would be absolutely in his character.”

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He continued: “I first said I knew he tried to save her. That was a guess, but now I’ve seen he didn’t leave with that girl he must have stumbled upon what happened and tried to fight them off. That’s the Dave I loved.”

David and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge were found bludgeoned to death on a beach on the Thai island of Koh Tao after they had been drinking in a bar.

Thai police believe that Hannah may have turned down the advances of a local man after reports emerged that the pair were seen arguing with an alleged gangster in a bar.

They added that they ‘still believe sexual jealousy is at the heart of this crime’.

David and Hannah were captured on CCTV leaving the bar just before the brutal murders took place.

It is thought that David died after he was knocked unconscious before drowning after post-mortem examinations revealed he died with water in his lungs.

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Hannah reportedly has ‘sexual contact’ before her death and officers believe that she may have been raped.

Thai authorities are now asking friends of Hannah and David to come forward with any information regarding the investigation.

Police Colonel Kissana Phathanachareon said in a statement: “We have asked the Metropolitan Police to ask their friends if they can help with any information. We believe sexual jealousy is at the heart of this.”

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