DJ and American expat Josh Ezell was killed in a motorbike crash in Srisoonthorn district in Thalang around 7am on Feb. 28.
Mr Ezell, 42, originally from San Francisco, had moved recently to the island from Bangkok. Last year he started working as a DJ at Surin Beach’s Diamond Beach Club, where he stayed until about one month ago.
He first moved to Thailand in 2001, taking up the position of Head Resident DJ and Entertainment Director at Bangkok’s Bed Supperclub in 2002.
In November 2000, Josh was commissioned to organise and deejay the ACA World Sound Festival outside Acapulco, Mexico, where he stage-managed and deejayed with Moby, Carl Cox, Frankie Knuckles, David Morales, Danny Tenaglia, LTJ Bukem and Jazzanova.
Phuket DJ Tom “Tank” Somsanuk said he knew Mr Ezell when they both worked in Bangkok, where Mr Ezell was one of the top DJs in the city.
“He was a very talented DJ. He just became a dad, and he was so proud and happy to be a new father. He really had a lot going for him. He was a really cool dude. This is so sad.”
DJ Kensho, aka Mat Vinyl, told The Phuket News that Mr Ezell was highly respected in the industry, especially in Bangkok.
“He was one of the pioneers in the early days of the Bangkok club scene. So many people know him and have worked with him. Especially at Bed Supperclub – he was one of the first DJs there.”
Thalang police said the crash happened near Kokmoo curve and The Valley in Srisoonthorn district when Mr Ezell, on a motorbike, was in collision with a tour bus.
The bus driver, Isara Lalamkon, 47, told police he was driving from Cherng Talay to pick up a group of Chinese tourists at Koh Siray. The bus and the motorbike, both travelling the same way, collided on a bend, Mr Isara said.
Mr Isara was taken to Thalang Police Station and is being questioned about the crash.
Mr Ezell’s body was taken to Thalang Hospital.
Additional reporting by Claire Connell
