The family of a Leeds University graduate who died in Thailand last week have paid tribute to their daughter who they claim died from natural causes.
Posting on Christina Annesley’s Facebook page, her mother Margaret wrote, ‘We have lost our beautiful daughter Chrissie in Thailand of natural causes. We are totally devastated. We love you so much darling, rest in peace. We will bring you home soon’.
The 23-year-old History graduate was found dead in the bungalow she was renting on the island of Koh Tao last Wednesday. She had recently started a four-month trip of South-east Asia and Australia.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said, ‘We can confirm the death of a British National in Thailand on 21 January.
‘We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.’
A post-mortem examination of Christina’s body found no traces of illegal drugs or physical injury. Local press in Thailand have reported that medication she was taken for a long-term condition may have been linked to her death.
Officials are now awaiting the results of further toxicology tests before the cause of death can be concluded.
Friends have paid tribute to Christina’s ‘free spirit’ and political activism.
Ms Annesley was an active libertarian campaigner, having co-founded Leeds Liberty League in 2011. She also stood for the local elections in Headingley and served as Vice Chair of Young Independence Yorkshire, the youth wing of UKIP.
In tribute, political blogger Guido Fawkes said, ‘A sad day in libertarian circles as it emerges young campaigner Christina Annesley has died while on holiday in Thailand.
The one time Tory turned ‘Kipper turned vocal free spirit was a regular on the young right-wing scene and was just 23 years old.’
Camden Conservative Deputy Chairman Oliver Cooper also wrote, ‘Devastated by the sudden and untimely death of friend and freedom-fighter Christina Annesley. I didn’t know anyone that didn’t adore her. RIP’.
Shortly before her death, Christina tweeted, ‘In awe of how beautiful this place is’.
Skylar Baker-Jordan tweeted, ‘She was a gem. Sleep well, you brilliant, beautiful woman’.
UKIP leader Nigel Farage said, ‘Very sad and shocked to hear of the death of Christina Annesley. Thoughts and prayers with her family and friends’.
The Union’s Welfare Exec Freya Govus told The Gryphon, ‘The passing of Christina Annesley is extremely sad and shocking news. Christina was a very active student at Leeds and had strong connections with the Union.
I didn’t know Christina personally, but I know she was a passionate campaigner who stood-up for what she believed in and had a profound impact on many people. My thoughts go out to her friends and family at this difficult time and I urge anybody struggling with this news to contact the Union’s advice centre.’
Charlotte Mason
Jasmine Andersson