MYSTERY surrounds the death of a former JP Morgan staffer who was found at the home of an award-winning restaurateur and bartender.
Julia Phan, 24, celebrated New Years Eve at a gig with pals and the tycoon Ran Duan – just hours before her death.
Julia Phan, a former JP Morgan staffer, was found dead at the home of a restaurant tycoon[/caption]
She had gone to a concert with the tycoon Ran Duan – just hours before her death[/caption]
She initially planned to welcome in the New Year at her Boston home with her pet dog before volunteering in a soup kitchen.
But, her plans suddenly changed.
Phan received a message from Duan, asking if she wanted to go to a gig that was taking place in the city.
“I have a ticket for you,” he said in a text message, seen by The Boston Globe.
“Do you want any recreational enhancements?”
Phan politely declined Duan’s offer. They weren’t the best of friends, but Duan had previously used his influence to help her secure reservations at some top restaurants.
And, one of her pals had dated the restaurateur.
Phan messaged her best friend Aylee at around 10:30pm before heading to the club.
That turned out to be the final message she sent.
Just after 2am on New Year’s Day, Duan was seen carrying Phan to his Burlington home, according to footage seen by The Globe.
She was said to be slumped over while in his car.
Phan reportedly made “guttural noises” when she was being carried.
Just before 11:15am on New Years Day, the tycoon called 911.
“I don’t know what’s going on,” he told the dispatcher on the other end of the line.
He demanded the dispatcher to send an ambulance.
TYCOON ‘FREAKED OUT’
He explained how one of his friends got drunk and said she passed out on the sofa.
On the call, Duan said he was “freaking out” and revealed that the left side of Phan’s face was blue.
Phan was declared dead when first responders swooped on the property.
Mystery initially surrounded her death as Duan told cops he didn’t see Phan take any drugs.
But, he claimed someone told him that they had seen Phan put something in her mouth.
They were not convinced what it was, however.
An autopsy was conducted and it emerged she died from an MDMA intoxication.
The conclusion baffled Phan’s family and friends as she did not take drugs.
This sparked fears that she may have been spiked or drugged.
Phan’s family described her as someone who was bright and vibrant.
She graduated from the University of Maine in 2022 with a degree in finance and philosophy.
TRIBUTES POUR IN
She worked for JP Morgan in Boston for 15 months between November 2022 and January 2024.
Phan worked as a beauty advisor for Ulta Beauty alongside her studies between May 2021 and October 2022.
“Her love for learning was matched only by her zest for life’s simple pleasures – savoring matcha lattes, indulging in sweet treats, and delighting in mimosas shared with friends,” her family said in an obit.
“Julia’s presence was nothing short of magical. Cheerful and bright, she was a precious ray of sunshine who brought smiles and laughter wherever she went.”
Mourners said she was adventurous and loved to explore new places.
“She had an adventurous spirit that led her to explore new places and cuisines, always eager to embrace the unknown with open arms,” they added.
“Those fortunate enough to cross her path know Julia had the unique ability of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories.”
And, Duan described her as one of the “kindest” people that he knew.
During his career, Duan picked up a slew of accolades in the bar and restaurant industry.
In 2014, he was named Eater Bartender of the Year and in the same year was on the cover of GQ Magazine’s Bartender of the Year.
Just weeks before Phan was found dead, he posted on Instagram: “May the last month of 2024 be the plot twist you been waiting for.”
He shared pictures of luxurious seafood platters and footage of revelers raving inside clubs.
Burlington cops have said the probe remains ongoing.
Duan is an award-winning bartender and was on the cover of GQ Magazine’s Bartender of the Year[/caption]
The home in Burlington, Boston, where Phan’s body was found[/caption]
