Scots ice hockey star, 19, who fell to his death at Ibiza Rocks has jersey retired by club as ‘mark of respect'

Scottish Sun

4 days ago

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THE teammates of a Scots ice hockey star who died after a horror fall in Ibiza have retired his jersey number for the upcoming season as a "mark of respect".
Gary Kelly, 19, from Dundee, tragically fell to his death at the Ibiza Rocks hotel in the popular party resort of San Antonio on Monday morning.
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Gary's Dundee Star teammates have decided to retire his jersey number
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Gary's grieving girlfriend Louise Essery paid tribute to her partner
Credit: Facebook
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The ice hockey star died after a fall from the third floor at Ibiza Rocks
Credit: Darren Fletcher
He is the fourth person to die at the hotel since late April.
Just two weeks ago, 26-year-old Evan Thomson from Aberdeen suffered a similar fate at the same venue on July 7.
Ice hockey player Gary wore the number 45 jersey for Dundee Stars of two occasions for the team during the 2024-25 season.
The club made an announcement today which announced the retirement of his shirt number.
One of his teammates opted to change his number for the upcoming season from 45 to 72.
In a social media post, the club stated: "As a mark of respect, Dominick Jaglar has opted to change his number for the upcoming season from 45 to 72
"45 was the number Gary Kelly wore on two occasions, making his Elite league debut for his hometown team the Dundee Stars in 2024-25."
Flowers, pictures and team tops have been left in tribute outside the Dundee Ice Arena with the club thanking those who had done so.
Following the deaths of the two Scots holidaymakers, Ibiza Rocks has suspended all party events at the resort.
Police have not yet confirmed whether Gary had been drinking or taking drugs before the fall.
Scottish Tourist's Tragic Fall in Ibiza: Community in Mourning
We previously told how Gary's grieving girlfriend, Louise Essery, paid tribute to her partner, saying: 'The memories we made will stay with me forever. I miss you so much already.'
And his devastated older sister Kharis Kelly said: "Our hearts are shattered beyond words."
His other sister Paige Kelly wrote: "I love you so much Gary, and I'll look after everyone for you. Forever in my heart, my brother—I'll never forget you."
Ice hockey star Gary played for both Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season.
A GoFundMe page has already raised thousands of pounds to support his grieving family.
It reads: 'We are all feeling the loss of young Gary Kelly. And I know you can't put a price on life. But hopefully, we can help the family through this as a nicer young man and family you would struggle to find.'
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Ice hockey star Gary played for both Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season
Credit: Facebook
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Police on the Balearic party island have now launched an investigation into Gary's death
Credit: Facebook
A statement from John Colley, Chairman of Scottish Ice Hockey and Aberdeen Lynx, reads: "The entire hockey community is still coming to terms with the devastating loss of Gary Kelly.
"Gary was a young man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met — not just through his incredible talent on the ice, but through his warmth, generosity, and infectious charisma. He was someone who always gave freely of his time, supported those around him, and brought people together.
"In a sport like ours, where players begin young and grow up travelling the length and breadth of the country together, strong bonds are formed — bonds that go beyond teams and clubs. We are a hockey family, and Gary was a cherished part of that family. His absence will be felt deeply — not just in Aberdeen, but across the Scottish hockey community and further afield.
"Above all, Gary valued family — both his own and the wider hockey family. As we reflect on the joy and impact he brought to so many, we want to come together to honour his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.
"On behalf of Scottish Ice Hockey and Aberdeen Lynx, we respectfully ask for privacy for Gary's loved ones at this time."
Police on the Balearic party island have now launched an investigation into Gary's death.
The Civil Guard confirmed: "We are investigating the death of a 19-year-old British man at a hotel in San Antonio in Ibiza.
"The alarm was raised around 12.40am this morning.
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26-year-old Evan Thomson from Aberdeen suffered a similar fate at the same venue on July 7
"Our officers were sent to the scene but the man in question was already dead by the time help arrived.
"The fall was from from the third floor of the hotel to an outside part of the complex.
"Court officials authorised the removal of his body at 2.40am this morning.
"The fall could be accidental based on the early information obtained from cameras but as part of the investigation possible witnesses will need to be located and interviewed.
"The results of the post-mortem will also be important to the investigation.'
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.'