Former Bristol university student found dead in Vietnam - inquest opened

An inquest has opened into the death of a former University of the West of England student found dead in Vietnam.

George Chapman was found unresponsive on April 21 in the capital Ho Chi Minh City, where the 36-year-old worked at RMIT University Vietnam.

At Avon Coroner’s Court today (June 17), coroner’s officer Cliff Parker said Mr Chapman, who studied law at UWE from 2007 to 2008, had been working as head of the university’s English department.

He was a single man who was originally from Bath, Mr Parker added.

On April 21, he was found dead, said Mr Parker, who said the provisional cause of death was suspension by ligature. He added there no concerns from the family at this time, and there had been no police involvement in the case.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has requested documents from the authorities in Vietnam ahead of a full inquest to take place later this year.

It is understood that Mr Chapman had been working at RMIT university Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City since 2015.

In a statement, the university siad: “The university is very sad upon the death of a member of staff. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad and difficult time.

“Our priority is to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff and students, and have offered counselling services to all that need someone to speak with.”

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