British diplomat’s “suicide” in Baia Mare captures the attention of foreign press

A staff member of the British Embassy in Romania died on Thursday, January 16, after reportedly jumping from the top floor of Hotel Mara in Baia Mare.  The man in question worked for the British Embassy in Bucharest as a cultural attache and was 46 years old. His identity is rumored to be Ian Saunders, according to express.co.uk.

The death has been confirmed by British embassy officials.

Sir Simon Fraser, the Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FC) said: “I am deeply saddened to confirm the tragic death of a member of our diplomatic staff in Romania.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed its condolences for the loss suffered by the UK Embassy. Titus Corlateanu wrote to ambassador Martin Harris to insure the British officials of his institution’s full support in this matter.

Several foreign news outlets have picked up the story, among them Fox News, ABC News and The Times. The Mirror writes that the man was seen balancing on the balcony of his seventh-floor room before he fell.

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It is believed he checked into the Hotel Mara at the small city of Baia Mare on Tuesday night and asked to be housed on the top floor.

Police said the man was supposed to leave on Thursday morning but extended his stay for another day.

Daily Mail notes that an investigation is underway. Investigators said they found a note to the diplomat’s family on a table inside his room.