Family of Gloucester man who died abroad start fundraiser to bring his body home from Bali

A grieving family from Gloucester is trying to raise money to be able to fly the body of a man who has died in Bali back to the UK.

Matt Harper’s family has so far raised more than £3,800 of the £10,000 needed via a GoFundMe page.

Mr Harper, originally from Gloucester, died at his home on the Indonesian island last week.

Police believe the popular dad-of-two, 48, took his life, but friends believe he would never have done such a thing.

In a post signed “Matt’s family”, his stepdaughter Lauren said Matt had died “in the most horrific and tragic way”.

She added: “Matt was the best son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, uncle and fantastic Daddy to his children.

“We are truly heartbroken, we know Matt was a character and one that we can never forget. He was loved by so many of you, friends all over the world, near and far. He was funny, kind and intelligent; he would have done anything for those he loved.

"Please let’s all come together and help the family get Matt back to us in the UK which would at least provide some comfort knowing he is near to us.

“Unfortunately the circumstances [of his death] cannot be discussed due to an on-going investigation.”

Matt, from Gloucester, had worked on the Indonesian holiday island for hotel group Karma since February 2020.

His Indonesian-born girlfriend, Emmy Pakpahan, was quizzed by police and remains under investigation.

She claims Matt had a mental episode and harmed himself on January 13.

Emmy filmed Matt’s final moments through the window of his home, sobbing: “Oh my god, oh my god. I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what to do.”

Pledges of help can be left at the Gofundme page set up by the family.