Departures of note

Leroy Saunders was a 41-year-old South African fitness coach who had lived in Bangkok for several years. He owned a CrossFit gym in the city and ran a physical conditioning program for professional fighters, becoming a well-known and respected figure in the Thai fitness world with a following of roughly 44,000 people.

Saunders was also an active competitor in HYROX, a high-endurance fitness racing event. In 2025 he finished the HYROX Doubles category in one hour, 17 minutes, and 51 seconds.

He died after collapsing during the BYD HYROX Bangkok event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where event staff and medical personnel provided emergency assistance before he was taken to hospital. His family confirmed his passing and remembered him as a dedicated mentor who lived without regret or hesitation.