A British musician has been found dead near a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Thomas Crawford, 54, was discovered by worshippers in the upper courtyard of a temple in the remote town of Thihagoda on the afternoon of August 16.
Local police responded to the scene and recovered a scooter and helmet, which had been rented earlier that day from a nearby town. Investigators have launched an inquiry into Crawford's death, but authorities have stated that no suspicious circumstances are currently believed to be involved.
Crawford, who was born in Glasgow, had been residing at a hostel in the popular coastal surf town of Weligama, located in the southern part of the island. He had lived in Sri Lanka for several years, sharing videos of his music and travels. These posts included clips of him playing his guitar and performing with a band.
He had recently shared that he recorded a religious music album titled "Master of Miracles" at his hostel. According to the hostel manager, Praveen Ariyaratne, Crawford left the Sugar Co-Living hostel on the morning of his death, telling staff he intended to visit the coastal city of Hambantota. Ariyaratne described Crawford as a close friend and a "very talented and kind person" who was involved in music, art, and charity work.
"We are currently supporting the family of a deceased British national in Sri Lanka," a Foreign Office spokesperson told the Daily Mail.