A college student from Plymouth died of natural causes while on a sea turtle conservation trip in Costa Rica, an inquest has concluded. Xander Furlong, 18, was found dead in his hotel room at the Hotel Paraiso Cabinas in Las Palmas, Puntarenas, on 19 July 2024.
Background and Health Conditions
Mr Furlong, who studied at Duchy College, had been due to begin a degree in ecology and wildlife management at UWE Bristol shortly before his death. He had been diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy in childhood, following a swine flu vaccination in 2010, and also suffered from high blood pressure. His mother, Michelle Furlong, told the hearing that her son was on long-term medication for these neurological conditions.
According to senior Devon Coroner Philip Spinney, a post-mortem examination in Costa Rica attributed the death to natural causes, specifically arterial hypertension, coronary atherosclerosis, mixed cardiomyopathy, and recent myocardial infarction. Toxicology tests found no alcohol or illicit substances in his system.
Final Messages and Circumstances
Mrs Furlong revealed that her son had been suffering from dehydration and diarrhoea the day before his death but had sent messages indicating he was recovering. His last message to the family chat was on 19 July at 1.58am UK time (approximately 7pm on 18 July in Costa Rica), stating he was enjoying Costa Rica but feeling homesick. He had been in the pool that evening, felt tired and had a headache, so went to bed early after taking paracetamol. The family did not hear from him again, attributing the lack of communication to poor mobile reception.
Mrs Furlong described her son as "kind to everyone" with "a really gentle soul." She added: "He was single-minded and knew what he wanted to do for a long time. He was making sure it was going to happen and didn't allow the narcolepsy to slow him down."
Medical History and Coroner's Conclusion
The inquest heard that Mr Furlong's narcolepsy was managed within the community, with routine appointments at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth under specialist supervision. Coroner Spinney noted that his symptoms began two to three months after receiving the swine flu vaccine, which is considered a possible association. He had been prescribed various medications that subsequently led to high blood pressure.
Mr Spinney concluded that the death was due to natural causes, emphasizing that there was no evidence of foul play or external factors. The family has been supported by the Foreign Office and local authorities during the investigation.
