A popular American fitness influencer is believed to have drowned after allegedly fleeing police and jumping into a lake following a disturbance at his rented luxury apartment in Thailand.
Connor Michael Murphy, 32, reportedly sparked alarm in the early hours of Tuesday after neighbours heard loud screaming coming from his apartment in Bang Phli before contacting police.
According to authorities, Murphy fled when officers arrived, running towards a nearby golf course where he entered an approximately eight-foot-deep lake while naked. Police monitored the situation from the shore but did not enter the water, fearing the heavily built influencer could pull rescuers under. The incident has drawn widespread attention across social media, where Murphy had built a large following through his fitness, bodybuilding and motivational content.
Witnesses said Murphy remained in the water for several hours before appearing to struggle to stay afloat. He was later seen disappearing beneath the surface.
Specialist rescue divers were deployed at around 2pm and recovered a body from the middle of the lake about 30 minutes later. Authorities believe Murphy may have drowned after suffering severe leg cramps, although investigations into the exact cause of death are ongoing.
Police said witnesses reported Murphy had been mumbling prayers and shouting at his girlfriend before fleeing. Officers later searched his rented apartment and allegedly found black paint splashed across the walls, rubbish scattered throughout the kitchen and furniture covered in brown and yellow paint.
Police confirmed Murphy had been renting the apartment for about two months while living in Thailand on a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), where he reportedly worked remotely selling fitness supplements.
His girlfriend, 22, who had been in a relationship with him for three years, told investigators she had never witnessed him behave in such a manner before and had no idea what triggered the incident.
Murphy had amassed nearly three million followers across social media through bodybuilding videos, fitness advice and comedy content. In recent weeks, however, he had begun posting increasingly spiritual material, with his final YouTube video uploaded on July 1 featuring unusual references to billionaire Elon Musk.
While his family has yet to officially confirm his death, tributes have already begun pouring in online from followers expressing shock and sadness over the incident.
