Scottish Poker Pro Found Dead in the Philippines, Suspected Foul Play Raises Alarm
Darren Young, a Scottish professional poker player, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Philippines, leading his mother to suspect foul play. The 32-year-old’s body was discovered in May in a luxury condo he had rented in Bay City, Metro Manila, known as the “Entertainment City” casino hub.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Young, a former triathlete, had a promising poker career with several notable tournament finishes in the mid-2010s. According to the Hendon Mob Database, his significant achievements were in relatively low buy-in events. However, his real success and earnings came from online poker, which funded his extensive travels across Asia. Before arriving in the Philippines, Young had visited several countries, including China, Pakistan, Dubai, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Mysterious Circumstances
Darren Young had only been in the Philippines for a few weeks before his untimely death. The official cause of death was listed as double pneumonia. However, his mother, Jackie Bain, disputes this, citing his fitness and health. She believes that her son may have been murdered.
Hours before his death, Young sent a distressing text to friends, stating, “I think I’ve been drugged.” Despite no signs of a struggle at the scene, several personal items, including his wallet, watch, bank card, gambling chips, and cash, were missing from his condo.
“He was staying in a luxury condo by himself. That’s where they found him on the bed,” Bain said. “There was no sign of a struggle, but he had nothing with him. Darren had a pile of poker chips — they were gone.”
Suspicious Company
Young had reportedly been winning significant amounts at local casinos and had mentioned to friends that he was uneasy about an American gambler and a Filipina he had recently met. He expressed bad vibes from the couple, raising further suspicions about his death.
When Young became uncontactable, friends and family grew alarmed, leading to the tragic discovery of his body.
A Mother’s Grief and Call for Justice
“I got a call to tell me they had found him. I was just screaming,” Bain told The Scottish Sun. “Darren was the nicest lad. He was kind to everybody and well-liked. He was making thousands and liked nice clothes and fancy restaurants.”
Bain described her son as a generous person who would give everything he had if someone needed it more. The family is in shock and disbelief over his sudden death.
A UK pathologist raised concerns about the official cause of death after examining Young’s body once it had been flown back to Scotland. The pathologist ruled out pneumonia but indicated that further tests were impossible due to the body being embalmed in the Philippines.
Ongoing Investigation
The British Foreign Office has confirmed that it is liaising with Philippine authorities regarding the case. The mystery surrounding Darren Young’s death remains unresolved, and his family continues to seek answers and justice for their loss.
