A BOURNEMOUTH woman has died in a freak accident in Thailand.

Sarah Crutchley was on a course learning to teach English as a foreign language on the Thai island of Koh Lipe when she slipped at a waterfall during a break from training last Friday.

The students had a week off for the Thai holiday known as Songkhran following their final day of teaching practice on April 7.

A spokesperson for Teacha Language School, which runs the training course, said: “Sarah went to a waterfall with friends and she slipped and fell.

“We are still waiting to find out exactly how she died, whether it was drowning or head injuries – we don’t know at this moment.”

Sarah had been studying with 23 fellow students for three weeks when the tragedy struck.

The spokesperson for Teacha added: “The British Embassy in Bangkok is handling the family side but I hear they have been notified.

“Sarah had been planning to stay and teach in Thailand. You could tell she was very much looking forward to it, because she was always full of energy during the course.

“Everyone is trying their best but is devastated.”

He added: “Sarah was kind, smiling and patient. She had her stuff stolen on Lipe one night on the beach and the way she handled the situation was wonderful.

“We are all trying to cope and hopefully we will push through.”

A tribute to Sarah posted on a TEFL blog said: “Sarah was one of our best trainees.

“She had always been positive about life and a gentle person by nature.

“If you are reading this then please give yourself a two-minute silence in memory of Sarah.

“We miss you.”

Sarah, originally from Bournemouth, worked as a nanny in Italy for more than a year before flying out to Thailand in March, according to a post on the website Placebook, a social network for people on foreign teaching placements.

In October last year, Sarah, posting on the internet said she had always had a desire to teach and was “so excited by the prospect of TEFL in Thailand.”

She said: “I graduated in English Literature in 2001, so, yeah, at 30 that does mean I win the prize for being the eldest in the group but I’d prefer to be the fairy godmother than the granny if it’s all the same.”

Sarah added: “I’m actually really overwhelmed by this opportunity. I reckon it will be the best I ever do.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We can confirm the death of a British national on April 15 in Thailand.

“We are in touch with the family and are providing consular assistance.”