An official at Prof Ngoerah hospital in Bali, I Made Darmajaya, addressed the allegations surrounding the death of Australian citizen Byron Haddow. "On behalf of Prof Ngoerah hospital, I want to emphasize that the circulating rumors about organ theft are false," Darmajaya said. "The hospital gains absolutely nothing from retaining the heart. Our concern is conducting the autopsy in accordance with legal regulations."

23-year-old Haddow, from Queensland, Australia, died in a hotel swimming pool in May while on vacation in Bali. His body was returned to Australia 4 weeks later, where an autopsy revealed his heart was missing.

Australian authorities subsequently requested an explanation from Indonesia. Haddow's family stated they were not informed about the missing heart and suspected "foul play."

Forensic pathologist Nola Margaret Gunawan, who performed the autopsy, denied any wrongdoing. "His heart was examined and retained when the family repatriated the body. I provided the autopsy results and explained the procedure to the family," Dr. Gunawan told Australian media on 22/9. "They accepted my explanation."

According to Darmajaya, the hospital conducted the autopsy at the request of local police. Haddow’s heart was returned to Australia in August after extensive testing to meet pathological assessment requirements.

Byron Haddow (right), the Australian citizen who died in Bali in May. Photo: 9News

Byron Haddow (right), the Australian citizen who died in Bali in May. Photo: 9News

The Haddow family's lawyer in Bali, Ni Luh Arie Ratna Sukasari, suggested the returned heart might not belong to Haddow. "The heart is undergoing DNA testing in Queensland to verify it actually belongs to Byron," Sukasari said. "The family demands accuracy, transparency, and respect for their son."

According to Sukasari, the heart examination in Bali was conducted without the Haddow family's knowledge or consent. The hospital failed to provide a reasonable explanation. "Instead, they arranged for the return of the heart and even asked the family to pay an additional 460 USD in fees," she said.

Sukasari and the Haddow family are requesting an independent police investigation into Haddow’s death and demanding an explanation from Prof Ngoerah hospital regarding the procedures performed on his body, particularly "the removal and retention of the heart without the family's consent."

Dr. Gunawan previously explained that under the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code, retaining organs during a forensic examination does not require the consent of relatives.

The forensic report indicated the presence of alcohol and prescription medication for depression, anxiety, and pain in Haddow's system. The combination of alcohol and this medication could suppress the central nervous system, preventing Haddow from saving himself in the pool.

The autopsy also noted lacerations and bruising on his left forehead, right eyelid, and knee, but these injuries were not the cause of death.

The Haddow family claims they were unaware of him taking any prescription medication or having any mental health conditions. The family's lawyers said these injuries raise "serious concerns" and are inconsistent with "the explanation that he was simply found in the pool."

Huyen Le (Guardian, SMH)