Ibiza venue cancels music events after deaths of two British men in two weeks
Gary Kelly, 19, who was a professional ice hockey player for the Dundee Stars, died at the Ibiza Rocks hotel on Monday. His club paid tribute to the 'hugely talented and charismatic individual' who 'had a great future ahead of him'.
It comes two weeks after the death of another Scottish tourist, Evan Thomson, 26, who fell to his death at the hotel on 7 July.
The hotel, which is also an open-air music venue, has decided to pause its scheduled events programme due to 'the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved'.
It 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.'
The rapper Dizzee Rascal was due to play this week and the drum'n'bass band Rudimental were expected to appear on 30 July. The hotel did not specify how many events were cancelled.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.'
The Dundee Stars said: 'We send our thoughts and condolences to Gary's family, partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time. Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken to hear this tragic news.
'Gary was 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.'
Other ice hockey teams also paid tribute to Kelly. In a statement on X, the Glasgow Clan said: 'This is truly heartbreaking news. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident during this incredibly difficult time.'
The Whitley Warriors, who Kelly played for briefly, said: '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.'
Thomson's mother paid tribute to her son in a social media post. 'I'm absolutely heartbroken to write and tell you all, earlier this week my son Evan was in a tragic accident whilst on holiday with his friends in Ibiza and sadly passed away,' she wrote, adding: 'We are all absolutely broken.'
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