British influencer Ebony McIntosh, 24, tragically passed away in Sri Lanka on February 1, just four days after arriving in the country for what was supposed to be the first stop of a months-long journey across South Asia. The young content creator, known for sharing travel, fashion, and lifestyle content with her 10,000 followers on social media, fell suddenly and severely ill while staying at a Colombo hostel, sparking an ongoing investigation by local authorities into potential toxic exposure from bedbug fumigation.
Sudden Illness and Death at Colombo Hostel
McIntosh had checked into the Miracle Colombo City Lodge, a budget accommodation in Sri Lanka’s capital, where she began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. According to her family, she was rushed to the hospital along with several other guests who developed similar symptoms, including a German couple staying at the same lodge. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, McIntosh died within hours of arriving at the hospital.
Sri Lankan authorities temporarily closed the hostel for further investigation after discovering that the room next to McIntosh’s had been fumigated for bedbugs just days before she fell ill. While officials have not yet determined whether the pesticide chemicals played a role in her death, suspicions have been raised over possible inhalation of toxic substances.
Family’s Grief and Desperate Efforts to Bring Her Home
The devastating news was confirmed by McIntosh’s sister, India, who described the family as being in complete shock and heartbreak. She has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £22,000 to cover the costs of repatriating McIntosh’s body to the UK and arranging funeral services.
“We are absolutely heartbroken to share that our beautiful baby girl and big sister Ebony has passed away unexpectedly,” India wrote in an emotional statement. “We cannot even begin to imagine how scared she must have felt at the time, and it hurts us so badly to think of the pain she was in.”
The GoFundMe page also explained that Sri Lankan authorities have not yet released McIntosh’s body, as they are awaiting full post-mortem results. The family is now scrambling to secure emergency passports, travel visas, and accommodation to fly to Sri Lanka and be with her.
“Mum has left your door open with your light on waiting for you, and we’ll keep waiting until we bring you home,” India wrote in a heartbreaking tribute.
Unanswered Questions and Calls for a Thorough Investigation
Authorities in Sri Lanka have yet to confirm an official cause of death, but concerns have been raised over possible pesticide poisoning linked to the hostel’s bedbug fumigation process. Some reports suggest that strong pesticides or improper ventilation after fumigation could have led to toxic exposure, which may have caused McIntosh’s respiratory distress and sudden illness.
Adding to the mystery, the German couple who also fell ill at the same hostel is recovering, prompting investigators to analyze the specific chemicals used in the fumigation process and whether they had any adverse health effects on guests.
Sri Lanka’s tourism and health officials are now under pressure to conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether safety protocols were followed during the fumigation. The hospital records, toxicology reports, and post-mortem findings will be key in understanding whether McIntosh’s death was linked to chemical exposure or if another underlying medical condition was responsible.
A Young Life Cut Short
McIntosh, an aspiring travel influencer, had embarked on this trip to follow her dream of exploring South Asia, sharing her excitement with friends and followers before leaving the UK. She had planned to document her experiences online, inspiring others to travel the world.
Her tragic death has left family, friends, and followers devastated, as they continue to seek answers and justice. While her loved ones work to bring her home, the Sri Lankan government faces mounting questions about hostel safety standards and the oversight of chemical fumigation practices.
As the investigation unfolds, McIntosh’s family remains determined to uncover the truth, ensuring that no other traveler has to suffer a similar fate.
