An inquest at Devon Coroner’s Court in Exeter has heard evidence about the illness and final messages of an 18‑year‑old Plymouth student who was found dead in a hotel room while taking part in a conservation placement in Costa Rica.
Background and medical history
The deceased, Xander Furlong, was a student at Duchy College and had been due to start a degree in ecology and wildlife management at the University of the West of England. He died at the Hotel Paraiso Cabinas, Las Palmas, Puntarenas, Esparza on 19 July 2024.
At the hearing the court was told that, as a child, Mr Furlong had been diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy and had been on long‑term medication for those neurological conditions. His mother told the court she believed the diagnosis followed a swine flu vaccination in 2010. She also said her son had a history of high blood pressure.
Events shortly before his death
Evidence presented to the coroner indicated that Mr Furlong had recently suffered a bout of dehydration and diarrhoea while in Costa Rica. The day before he died he had messaged family saying he felt better.
- Last family message: 1.58am UK time on 19 July 2024 (approximately 7pm local time in Costa Rica).
- Family were told he had been in the pool that evening, felt tired and had a headache.
- He reportedly took paracetamol, went to bed early and did not see subsequent messages because of poor mobile reception.
“Xander was kind to everyone and had a really gentle soul. He was a home boy and quite shy,” his mother told the inquest.
Local care and the inquest process
The court heard Mr Furlong’s narcolepsy had been managed within the community and that he was regularly reviewed by specialists at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Senior Devon Coroner Philip Spinney confirmed a post‑mortem examination had been carried out in Costa Rica.
| Date (UK) | Event |
|---|---|
| 18 July 2024 (approx. local evening) | Last message sent to family; reported to have been in pool, felt tired and had a headache |
| 19 July 2024 | Found dead at Hotel Paraiso Cabinas, Las Palmas, Puntarenas, Esparza |
Implications for families and students
The case underlines the vulnerability of students travelling on placements overseas and the importance of continuity of care for those with chronic neurological conditions. It also highlights practical issues such as mobile reception when families try to keep in touch from different time zones.
The inquest continues. Coroners’ proceedings aim to establish the facts surrounding a death; they do not attribute criminal liability. Any further findings returned by the coroner will be relevant to the student community, local health services and organisations arranging overseas placements.
