It is a heavenly place, famous among all globetrotters. The island of Koh Samui in Thailand is known for the exceptional beauty of its places and waterfalls. It has become the obligatory passage for tourists… But this Monday, January 5, drama invited itself into this paradise.
While spending his end-of-year vacation in Thailand, a young Frenchman died after falling several meters while trying, according to initial reports, to take a selfie in front of a waterfall with his fiancée, who was unhurt. According to many local media Alexis Vergos was the victim of an accidental fall.
Aged 22, Alexis was a well-known figure at a small amateur football club, the Quimper Ergué Armel Football Club in Finistère. The latter published a “black notebook” on his Facebook page this Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness that the Quimper Ergué Armel Football Club announces the death of a child of the club, Alexis Vergos, son of Thierry, the coach of the C team for several years and dedicated volunteer, indicates the press release. Alexis started football with his first license at Ergué Armel at the age of 6. A senior player two seasons ago, this football enthusiast never failed to come and watch the QEAFC teams play on the weekends. The entire club provides its support and presents its most sincere condolences to Thierry as well as to all of his close friends and family. »
His father is a volunteer at the Quimper club
According to the Mirror, which mentions the disappearance, the couple, who arrived there on Sunday, were hiking in the mountains in the province of Surat Thani when they stopped to take photos. Alexis reportedly moved aside “to better admire the Na Muang waterfall” when he slipped and fell several meters to his death.
Still according to the Mirror, the young man’s girlfriend called for help before going down to the bottom of the waterfall to try to find her companion despite the power of the waters. Alexis’ body was found by rescue teams stuck between rocks covered in moss, in a pool on the fourth level of the waterfall.
According to Thai media The Thaiger, the death was noted on the spot. “Using ropes, rescuers carefully pulled the body out of the water, placed it on a stretcher and carried it down the waterfall,” explains the local media. The operation lasted approximately two hours. A doctor at Koh Samui Hospital carried out a preliminary examination and found that the French tourist suffered serious head injuries. »
Girlfriend was saved after hanging on a branch
The victim’s girlfriend, named Romane, also slipped but managed to “cling on to a tree branch, which saved her life”. Quoted by The Mirror, Koh Samui police commander Chayut Tulachotikul explained that she was “deeply upset at the moment. »
Na Muang waterfall number 2 has already been the scene of several serious accidents in the past.
A Koh Samui district official said that “additional warning signs in Thai and English have been installed throughout the area for several months” but that measures would be further strengthened to enhance safety.
