Family of Scots ice hockey star, 19, who fell to his death in Ibiza say ‘our hearts are shattered'

Scottish Sun

5 days ago

A fundraiser in memory of Gary has already raised thousands of pounds
'FOREVER OUR BOY' Family of Scots ice hockey star, 19, who fell to his death in Ibiza say 'our hearts are shattered'
THE heartbroken family of Scots ice hockey star who tragically fell to his death in Ibiza have told how their "hearts are shattered".
Gary Kelly, 19, from Dundee, died after plunging from a third-floor balcony at the party hotspot Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio in the early hours of Monday morning.
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Gary Kelly, 19, died after falling from a third-floor balcony at an Ibiza hotel
Credit: Facebook
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He was pronounced dead at the scene of the Ibiza Rocks Hotel
Credit: Darren Fletcher
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The San Antonio party spot is the same hotel where Scots holidaymaker Evan Thomson fell to his death
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.
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.
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Tributes have poured in for Gary, who played for Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season.
His devastated older sisters shared emotional messages online.
Kharis Kelly wrote: 'Our hearts are shattered beyond words.
'Our handsome boy has gone to the other side. Absolutely no words.
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'We are asking everyone to respect our privacy as a family while we try to navigate through this tragic news.
'You'll forever be our boy, Gary. Sleep tight.'
Tragic Accident: British Tourist Falls to Her Death in Ibiza
Sister Paige Kelly added: 'I don't think this pain will ever stop.
'I don't know how the f**k we're gonna do life without you, Gary.
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'The life, the soul of everything—you were just so pure, would do anything for your family, friends, and Louise.
'Aww Gary, I wish it was all a dream.
'Like my sister said, please, everyone, respect our privacy and let us process this all and grieve for our baby boy.
'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.'
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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.'
Floral tributes have been laid outside Dundee and Aberdeen arenas in memory of the popular player.
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Tributes have flooded in for ice hockey star Gary on social media
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And a GoFundMe page has has already raised thousands of pounds in his memory
Credit: Facebook
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A GoFundMe page set up earlier today 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.'
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.
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"The alarm was raised around 12.40am this morning.
"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.
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"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.'
Ibiza Rocks released a statement this afternoon which states that they have suspended all their events.
It read: "We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred.
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"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. Given the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved, we believe it is right to pause our advertised events programme at this time.
"All customers will be informed directly via email."
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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.'