Wednesday 9 January 2013

Second Australian man, Nick Parkin, dies in Laos following death of Kane Scriven on New Year's Day

TWO Australian friends travelling in Laos have been found dead within days of each other after reportedly overdosing from the same batch of drugs.

Kane Scriven, 40, died in Laos after a night of partying and heavy drinking on New Year’s Day with his mate Nick Parkin, who is from Perth.

The NT News understands that Mr Parkin, 39, was found dead in his Sinnakhone Hotel room in the capital Vientiane on January 4, after Mr Scriven was found dead on January 1.

It is not clear whether the deaths of Kane Scriven and Nick Parkin are connected but the men, who were holidaying together in Laos, were found dead within days of each other.

The ABC is reporting that both of the Darwin-based men died from overdoses, likely from the same batch of drugs.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the deaths late last night but would not confirm if Mr Parkin was found in a hotel room or whether the deaths were connected.

Mr Parkin’s family in Perth have been notified.

Both men worked as crewmen for Workboats Northern Australia in Darwin and were holidaying in Laos.

Mr Parker's brother Timothy posted a prayer mentioning the death on his Facebook page.

Jaimie Hildebrand, a friend of Mr Parkin, said she was hoping to hear this was a prank.

"Love you with all my heart," she said.

Another friend, Luke Martin, said Mr Parkin was a great man and friend.

"Having known you has been an absolute pleasure and I'm sad to hear your (sic) gone, but so thankful for the fantastic memories," he said.

The men’s employer also posted this tribute on its Facebook page for the pair: “Everyone at Workboats Northern Australia is shocked by the sudden deaths of Kane Scriven and Nicholas Parkin.”

“We are supporting their close friends who still work with us and are respecting their requests to grieve in peace.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to the families of Kane and Nick. RIP.”

On Tuesday, the NT News reported that friends had not heard from Mr Parkin since January 2 when he informed them of his friend’s death.