DENPASAR, Bali — The family of an Australian man who died while being held by immigration authorities in Bali says they are devastated and still searching for answers about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Cameron Hughes, 39, had lived in Bali for more than 15 years, where he built a life with his Indonesian wife, their eight-year-old son, and a classic car restoration business based in Jimbaran.
According to his family, Hughes had recently separated from his wife but was trying to extend his visa so he could remain in Bali and stay close to his son.
“Cameron was a kind-hearted man who loved his family deeply and was a devoted father,” his family said in a statement provided to Australia’s ABC.
“He was resilient, hardworking and proud of the life he had built. Saying he was taken too soon doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel. Our family is completely devastated.”
Detained Over an Alleged Visa Violation
Bali immigration authorities said Hughes was taken into custody after an investigation into an alleged breach of his visa conditions.
According to an immigration spokesperson, the case began after officials received a complaint in March. Authorities said Hughes had been given multiple opportunities to resolve his immigration status but repeatedly failed to respond to official summons.
He was arrested at his home in Jimbaran on Friday, July 10.
Several hours later, immigration officers monitoring CCTV reportedly noticed that Hughes had remained motionless inside a detention facility bathroom for an extended period.
Officials said officers immediately checked his condition, administered first aid, provided oxygen and called an ambulance.
He was transported to Bali Jimbaran General Hospital, but authorities said he was pronounced dead while being taken there.
An initial medical assessment cited a heart attack as the preliminary cause of death.
Family Questions Official Account
Hughes’ relatives say they have received differing information from Indonesian authorities and believe significant questions remain unanswered.
According to the family, they had been communicating regularly with Bali immigration officials regarding Hughes’ visa status and reject suggestions that he had failed to cooperate with authorities.
“We will continue working with Australian consular officials to understand exactly what happened and to gain a full understanding of the circumstances,” the family said.
Australian Government Providing Assistance
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Hughes’ family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time,” a department spokesperson said.
Because of privacy obligations, Australian officials declined to comment further.
The circumstances surrounding Hughes’ death remain under scrutiny as his family seeks further clarification from Indonesian authorities regarding the events leading up to his death while in immigration custody.
