The family of an Australian father, Cameron James Michael Hughes, 39, is demanding answers following his death while in the custody of Indonesian immigration officials in Bali. Hughes was detained last Friday for overstaying his tourist visa by 98 days.
Hughes, a vintage car restorer who had lived in Bali for 15 years, was taken from his home to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office. He was placed in a detention room to await deportation. According to an official immigration report, officers became concerned when Hughes remained in the detention center's toilet for an extended period without visible movement. Upon entering, they found him unconscious with a towel wrapped around his neck.
Immigration officials administered first aid and called an ambulance. Hughes was transported to Bali Jimbaran General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead en route. The official report cited a suspected heart attack as a contributing factor, a preliminary assessment that conflicts with the details of how Hughes was found.
The family, described as heartbroken, stated they have received conflicting information regarding the circumstances of his death. They are working with consular staff to understand what occurred.
Hughes, originally from Perth, had built a vintage car restoration business in Bali, employing local workers to restore old Holden vehicles. He had recently separated from his wife and has an eight-year-old son. The family indicated that Hughes had been attempting to extend his visa to remain closer to his son and had been in regular contact with immigration authorities, denying any lack of cooperation.
Immigration sources suggested that official correspondence regarding his visa status was sent to his workshop, which was found closed, and later to his home, but no replies were received. Officials, accompanied by a local elder, collected Hughes from his home on Friday and took him to the immigration office.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family and extended its condolences.