British woman found dead in Turkey hotel after gurus ‘brainwashed’ her on Bali spiritual retreat

A British woman was discovered dead in a hotel room in Turkey after allegedly being influenced by New Age gurus during a spiritual retreat in Bali, a devastating inquest revealed. Josephine Tabor, a 30-year-old businesswoman, had been traveling the world for two and a half years, including embarking on a spiritual journey in Bali, where she reportedly fell under the sway of cult-like groups. Family members shared that Ms. Tabor documented her experiences in chilling diary entries, detailing being given a “truth serum” and mentioning thoughts of suicide.

According to her family, Ms. Tabor’s interest in spiritual practices grew after meeting her American boyfriend who was heavily involved in astrology, tarot readings, and similar practices. Her last diary entry included the heartbreaking statement, “I have tried everything except suicide. It is my final roll of the dice.” Her parents expressed concerns about the influence of these retreats, describing them as having a cult-like nature and steering vulnerable individuals away from seeking support from friends and family.

Ms. Tabor’s family highlighted that she had attended a retreat in Bali before her death in December 2021, and they suspected she had also participated in a similar retreat in Turkey. Despite concerns about her spiritual involvement, they emphasized that Ms. Tabor was a successful businesswoman with no apparent financial or personal struggles. The court learned that she had no known mental health issues, and there was no evidence of substance use contributing to her death.

In statements read during the inquest, excerpts from Ms. Tabor’s journals revealed references to Hindu and Buddhist themes, rebirth, and a longing for fulfillment. The coroner noted a shift in the tone of her writings towards the end of her life, suggesting disillusionment with relationships and a sense of mistreatment and naivety. Tragically, Ms. Tabor was found deceased in her hotel room in Istanbul, with the coroner indicating that her final writings indicated a deliberate intention to end her life.

While the inquest could not definitively establish the impact of the retreats on Ms. Tabor, it shed light on her deepening immersion in spiritual ideologies and a sense of isolation from her loved ones. The coroner emphasized that the statutory questions were answered, but broader inquiries into Ms. Tabor’s movements leading up to her death remained unanswered. The court acknowledged the complexity of Ms. Tabor’s emotional state and the challenges faced by those grappling with internal struggles.

In conclusion, the tragic loss of Josephine Tabor serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of falling into the hands of misleading spiritual practices and the importance of seeking professional help and support in times of distress. Let her story be a beacon for those grappling with similar challenges to reach out for assistance and not face their battles alone.