“Anyone who met Joe would know how caring, funny and kind hearted he was.”
Junior doctor Joe Grosart
A junior doctor from Hunts Cross was found dead in a hostel while travelling in Colombia. Joe Grosart, 35, was found in his room at the Black Sheep Hostel in Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city, on April 29 last year.
Dr Grosart, who is believed to have been a former student of Liverpool Blue Coat School, was touring South America at the time of his death. He was identified by his partner, Annabel Hodson, and a full investigation was carried out by the Colombian authorities.
A post-mortem found his cause of death was drugs toxicity as a result of medication. He was repatriated to Liverpool, where he was laid to rest.
At an inquest today, April 24, coroner Andre Rebello said: “He had been travelling in South America and tragically he was certified to have died after taking medication, albeit there’s no evidence he intended any harm to come to himself.”
A report from Colombian news channel Pereira En Vivo, published on April 29 last year, said: “Authorities have identified the foreigner found dead in a hostel in El Poblado. This is Joe Grosart, a 35-year-old British national. He was apparently on medication.
“This is the eighteenth case of death of a foreigner so far this year in the city, which has raised concerns about the safety conditions for non-migrant visitors in Medellin.
“According to initial investigations, Grosart was found in his bed, with no signs of apparent violence and covered with a blanket. The presence of drugs in his room suggests the possibility that the cause of his death was natural. However, the authorities continue with the technical inspection of the hostel to confirm this.”
Following Dr Grosart’s death, a fundraiser was set up, raising £3,264 for the NSPCC, the Whitechapel Centre (Liverpool’s leading homeless charity), and funeral costs.
His partner Ms Hodson said: “We were so very fortunate to have had Joe as a part of our lives. Incredibly kind, generous, bright and quick witted. With a great sense of humour, he brought so much warmth to the world and could connect with anyone.”
In a tribute, his sister Molly Williams said: “There are not enough words in the world to describe the pain we are going through at this moment in time. Joe was the most kind, caring and selfless man you could meet, he really was the most precious and gentle soul.
“He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved. He devoted his life to helping others and was so passionate about his role as a doctor.
“I could talk for days on how amazing Joe was. Anyone who met Joe would know how caring, funny and kind hearted he was. Our world has lost an absolute diamond with Joe’s passing. I count myself so extremely lucky to call you my brother Joe, I owe you so much.
“He was an inspiration for me, he inspired my career choice and helped me so much through university, I wouldn’t be where I am now without him as my brother.”
The Black Sheep hostel in Medellin, where Dr Grosart was found, has four stars on TripAdvisor, with reviews from more than 500 guests.
The Black Sheep Hostel in Colombia, where Joe Grosart was found dead
It is advertised as “a legendary twenty year old, New Zealand/Colombian owned hostel…. perfectly located in the peaceful suburb of Patio Bonito several minutes walk from the metro station, Poblado and a large supermarket, ten minutes from EAFIT University and fifteen minutes walk from the Zona Rosa (bars/clubs/restaurants) of Medellin.”
Handing down a conclusion of death by misadventure, the coroner said: “Joe Grosart was certified as having died while travelling in Colombia. He died from the inadvertent effects of medication.
“There were certain documents returned with Joe from Colombia which enables me to have sufficient information to conclude the inquest, but clearly the Colombian authorities will have the full details.”
Addressing Dr Grosart’s family, he said: “Celebrate his life; share your life experiences of him and make sure that you talk about him, because each of you has a different relationship and you will learn so much more by talking with other loved ones about him. Do Joe a favour, and remember that person you continue to love.”