Ice hockey player dies in fall at Ibiza hotel

Times

2 days ago

A 'hugely talented and charismatic' ice hockey player has died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Ibiza.
Gary Kelly, 19, who played for the Dundee Stars, died at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel on Monday.
The incident comes a fortnight another Scottish tourist, Evan Thomson, 26, fell to his death on the premises on July 7.
Kelly's team paid tribute to him on the club website. 'We send our thoughts and condolences to Gary's family, partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time,' the statement said.
'Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken to hear this tragic news.
'Gary was a hugely talented and charismatic individual who had a great future ahead of him. His loss will impact many in the ice hockey community and beyond. He will be sadly missed.
'We respect and support the family's request for privacy at this extremely difficult time.'
After the deaths of Kelly and Thomson, the Ibiza Rocks Hotel said: 'We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred.
'Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations.
'The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority.'
Tributes poured in from other UK ice hockey teams. A statement on X from the Glasgow Clan said: 'The Glasgow Clan would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gary Kelly.
'This is truly heartbreaking news. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident during this incredibly difficult time.'
Whitley Warriors, for whom Kelly played for briefly, said: 'Whitley Warriors are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of former Warrior Gary Kelly, aged just 19.
'Gary iced for Warriors on only a few occasions in the 2023-24 season but was a popular player in the dressing room despite the shortness of his time at Whitley.'
The Sheffield Steelers said: 'The Sheffield Steelers are devastated to learn of the passing of Gary Kelly. We send our thoughts and condolences to all that knew him during this difficult time.'
Local police confirmed that it was investigating Kelly's death. The Civil Guard said: '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 [Monday].
'Our officers were sent to the scene but the man in question was already dead by the time help arrived. The fall was 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 [examination] will also be important to the investigation.'