DENPASAR, Bali — Indonesian police say an Australian man who died while in immigration detention in Bali may have taken his own life, a significant shift from an earlier statement by immigration authorities that cited a suspected heart attack as the preliminary cause of death.
The case has drawn growing attention in both Indonesia and Australia after Cameron James Michael Hughes, 39, died shortly after being taken into immigration custody over an alleged visa violation.
Bali Police Chief Leonardo David Simatupang said investigators have found preliminary evidence indicating the Australian expat may have died by suicide.
“Our initial examination of the scene indicates the victim is believed to have taken his own life,” Leonardo said on Monday.
He added that police have requested a full forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
“The crime scene investigation points toward suicide. The autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday following coordination with forensic specialists. The family has been informed, as has the Australian Consulate, and they have agreed to the procedure,” he said.
Earlier Statement Pointed to a Suspected Heart Attack
The police findings differ from an earlier statement released by Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, which said Hughes lost consciousness while in detention before being transported to hospital.
Immigration officials said officers noticed through CCTV monitoring that Hughes had remained motionless inside the detention facility’s bathroom for an extended period.
According to the agency, officers immediately entered the room, checked his vital signs, administered first aid, provided oxygen and called an ambulance.
The immigration office said Hughes was pronounced dead while being transported to Bali Jimbaran General Hospital, adding that an initial medical assessment had suggested a suspected heart attack.
Autopsy Expected to Clarify Cause of Death
Police said investigators discovered evidence at the scene that prompted them to pursue suicide as the leading line of inquiry.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed all details of the investigation. However, police confirmed that forensic findings from the autopsy are expected to determine the precise cause of death and whether any other factors may have been involved.
The examination is scheduled to take place at Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar.
Detained Over Alleged Visa Violation
According to immigration authorities, Hughes had lived in Bali for more than 15 years and was detained after an investigation into an alleged misuse of his Indonesian residence permit.
Officials said they had received a public complaint in March and had repeatedly asked Hughes to resolve his immigration status before taking him into custody on July 10 at his home in Jimbaran.
He was being held at the Ngurah Rai Immigration detention facility while awaiting deportation proceedings when the incident occurred.
Investigation Continues
The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office said it has fully cooperated with police investigators and emphasized that officers followed standard detention procedures, including routine monitoring of detainees through CCTV.
The office also expressed its condolences to Hughes’ family and said it would continue coordinating with Indonesian police, medical authorities and representatives of the Australian government throughout the investigation.
While police say preliminary findings indicate suicide, authorities stressed that the autopsy remains a crucial step in establishing the official cause of death. The investigation is continuing.