A 26-year-old data scientist from Kerala was found dead in England days after he went missing following a night out with friends in Coventry. The incident has left his family in Thiruvananthapuram and friends in the UK searching for answers.
Vishnu Jayakumar, a native of Avanavanchery in Attingal, had gone to a nightclub in Coventry, West Midlands, on January 31 along with two friends. According to those close to him, he was not heard from after that night. On February 3, his body was recovered from a pool at Swanswell Park, located just a short walk from the club.
Back home in Kerala, his father Jayakumar, a Gulf-returnee, and mother Shamna are awaiting the return of his mortal remains. Vishnu had initially planned to visit home in January but postponed the trip due to work commitments. “We are in talks with the police there. We hope they give us some answers,” Jayakumar told Onmanorama. The West Midlands Police have stated that the death is not currently being treated as suspicious.
Timeline of the Night Raises Questions
Vishnu had completed his B.Tech from Marian Engineering College, Kazhakootam, and went on to pursue an MSc in Data Science from Coventry University, graduating in 2023. He was working at a private firm in Coventry at the time of his death.
His friend and former classmate Arjun P, who is also based in Coventry, said the nightclub visit was not part of Vishnu’s original plans. “We understand that the night party at the club was not in his plans. He went with two of his friends who are not from Kerala. One of the friends who had been with Vishnu that night told us that Vishnu had left the club,” said Arjun.
According to information shared among friends, one of the group members left early. Vishnu and another person reportedly stayed back. Around midnight, a cab was booked using Vishnu’s phone. Friends later came to know that the other person’s phone had been switched off. Vishnu was allegedly left alone on the street while his friend left in the cab.
“We were told he took Vishnu’s phone by mistake since the cab was booked using that phone. A common friend told us Vishnu was missing for two days. His phone was returned to the roommate a day later,” said Arjun.
Social Media Post Adds to Mystery
A day before Vishnu’s body was discovered, a post appeared on the Facebook page ‘Spotted Coventry City’ about a missing Indian male. The post mentioned that he was last seen near the lake close to Kasbah nightclub around 5 am on Sunday. Friends later found out that the message had been posted by one of the men who had been with Vishnu that night.
The post claimed that Vishnu had been intoxicated and did not have his phone with him. It also stated that a missing person report had been filed. The man wrote that he had contacted emergency services but was told that Vishnu was an adult and free to return home at his own will. “I don’t know what to do. I’m worried sick,” the post read.
However, Vishnu’s friends and relatives have expressed doubts about certain claims. Arjun Johny, a relative, responded publicly, stating that those who knew Vishnu well had never seen him drink excessively. “That is why we are confused about what happened that night. We were also told he did not have his jacket and did not have his phone with him, which is very worrying. There are still gaps in the timeline. As family living far away, we feel helpless. We just want the truth and for him to be treated with dignity,” Arjun replied to the post.
Friends in Coventry have questioned why Vishnu was left alone near the water body in the early hours. “We don’t know why Vishnu was left alone near the pool. He said Vishnu insisted on staying back. There are certain things which are not clear,” said his friend. Attempts to contact one of the men who was reportedly with Vishnu that night did not receive a response.
Police have collected statements and seized Vishnu’s phone as part of the investigation. His body is currently at the coroner’s office, and the exact cause of death is yet to be determined.
Vishnu is survived by his parents and his brother Gokul, who lives in Canada. Describing him as cheerful and focused, Arjun said, “If he had any issues, he would have told us. He was focused on work. We are in the dark as to what happened that night,” said Arjun.