British tourist found in Mallorca resort swimming pool dies
The 72-year-old man was discovered face down in a resort swimming pool in S'illot shortly after 8.30am yesterday morning (Tuesday 29 July).
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, including an air ambulance and an advanced life-support ambulance.
Emergency medical organisation Servicio de Asistencia Médica Urgente (SAMU) said: 'A British man aged 72 has been found floating face down in the swimming pool of a hotel in S'illot.
'He was pulled out of the water and basic resuscitation manoeuvres were practiced on him until the first ambulances arrived when it was confirmed he had gone into cardiac arrest.
'Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he died. The alarm was raised at 8.37am this morning.'
It is not known whether the man – whose name and hometown have not been confirmed – was travelling alone or with friends or family.
S'illot, a small tourist town on the south-east coast of the island, is located just 15 minutes away from the famed Love Island villa in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar.
The Independent has approached SAMU, Guarda Civilia and the British Embassy for further information.
The tragic news comes just days after another British tourist died after falling from a hotel balcony in Malta.
Kieran Thomas Hughes from Gwynedd in Wales was only 25 years old when he fell from a balcony at the Cavalieri Art Hotel in St Julian's, a town on the east of the island, in the early hours of 11 July.
His father, Alan Hughes said that Kieran, who had a twin brother, worked as a software engineer and had 'a promising career ahead of him'.
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The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
I nearly died after eating omelette at hotel buffet in Gran Canaria – but it was my daughter who was scarred for life
WHEN Michelle Dell booked a summer holiday to Gran Canaria, she expected two weeks of fun in the sun. But just days after arriving, the Sheffield mum fell gravely ill - and before long, she knew she was dying. 17 17 The terrifying ordeal left an even deeper scar on her daughter Lizzie, then 11, who developed a devastating phobia that ruled her life for the next 12 years. Michelle tells The Sun: 'I feel lucky every day of my life to still be here but, also, I have felt terrible guilt for what happened to Lizzie - wondering if we could have done anything differently. 'It took me four years to recover and I now have lots of long-term health problems. 'None of that matters though, because I'm still here.' The family's nightmare began in the summer of 2012 after jetting to Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands with friends. The group upgraded to a new four-star hotel in the popular seaside resort Playa del Ingles after two nights, because the first one they had booked was disappointing. Michelle, along with husband Wayne, 52, and daughters Lizzie and Rosie, then 10, were in an apartment, with six other pals on the trip located next door. On the third night of the holiday, the group went for a buffet dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Michelle says: 'As all-inclusives go, this one felt good quality and the choice of food was good. 'I'm a bit of a clean freak and it seemed very clean. What is salmonella, what are the symptoms and treatment? 'I and five others in the group went for the Spanish omelette, which tasted perfectly good.' The group headed out for a few rosés, gin and tonics and Spanish lagers at a nearby bar. But the next day, things took a dramatic turn. Michelle says: 'In the morning, I went onto my balcony and our friends next door said one of the group had been up all night sick with a bug. 'We had a bit of a giggle and made light of it because we thought it was very minor but as I was talking, I thought, 'Oh goodness, I need the toilet.'' Michelle suffered sudden diarrhoea, but assumed it was a minor travel bug. Within hours, four others were sick. Michelle was getting worse with every passing minute. It was like the worst horror film I'd ever seen. There was blood all over the floor, sick everywhere and she was screaming in agony LizzieDaughter She says: 'I was doubled over in agony. I'm not really one to make a fuss but it was absolutely the worst pain I've ever felt in my life. 'It was as though somebody's hands were inside my tummy twisting it and the pain wouldn't stop.' The hotel doctor was called and tried multiple times to put a cannula in her arm to get fluids in, but Michelle was too poorly and couldn't be rehydrated. Michelle says: 'By this time I felt like I'd been drugged and was drifting in and out of consciousness.' Wayne and Michelle had tried to shield the girls from the events unfolding by asking them to stay in their beds - which were separated from their bed by a small partition wall. But for Lizzie, hearing her mum's screams was distressing. Lizzie says: 'When I did see her it was like the worst horror film I'd ever seen. 'There was blood all over the floor from the cannula being taken in and out. 'There was sick everywhere because mum was vomiting so much. She was screaming in agony.' 17 17 17 17 Taken to a local hospital in Maspalomas, she was given fluids and sent back to the hotel hours later - still with no diagnosis. The next day, on day five of the holiday, she collapsed again and was rushed to a larger hospital. Doctors soon discovered she had contracted an extreme case of salmonella - a bacterial infection linked to food poisoning. Michelle says: 'My body was swollen and huge with the fluids. My eyelids couldn't even open properly. 'I remember phoning my mum in England from my bed and saying, 'I think I'm going to die.' 'There was something telling my brain: 'It doesn't matter what you do now, your body's taken over.' I thought my internal organs were shutting down.' As the rest of the group began to recover, Wayne stayed with the kids, trying to keep things as normal as possible. In despair, Michelle called him. She says: 'I told him, 'You need to come back to the hospital because something's happening. I'm falling really ill again'. 'He was having pizza with the girls, but I insisted, 'You need to come now. This is really serious'. 'The staff kept saying, 'You are fine'. I'm not a melodramatic person but when he came in, I sobbed. 'I told him, 'I am not fine. I'm going to die. You need to tell them to get me a doctor now to do more tests. Please make them understand I'm just not a hysterical woman. I am ill'.' The worrying rise in salmonella cases By Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter SALMONELLA cases are at a record high in Britain - and there are some key signs you can look out for. In the most recent outbreak, over 100 people were sickened and 14 rushed to hospital after eating tomatoes. Health officials urged Brits to be on high alert for the symptoms of salmonella infection, which can last anywhere from four to seven days. Cases hit a record decade high in 2024, soaring by almost a fifth in a single year to over 10,000 cases, UKHSA data shows. Separate statistics reveal cases in the first quarter of 2025 were even higher than 2024, with some 1,588 cases logged between January and March 2025, up on the 1,541 reported over the same period in 2024. By comparison, there were 1,328 reports between January and March 2023. Children under 10 were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. Salmonella, which lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo, can cause a sudden bout of fever, vomiting, explosive diarrhoea, stomach pains and headaches, often striking within hours of eating tainted food. The bacteria, which often taints food if grown in dirty water or handled with grubby hands, attacks the gut lining, damaging cells and stopping the body from soaking up water. This is what leads to the painful cramps and non-stop diarrhoea as the body flushes out the water it couldn't absorb. Most people recover without treatment, but in rare cases it can turn deadly. Around one in 50 sufferers go on to develop a serious blood infection, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications. Thankfully, deaths remain rare in the UK, with fatal cases making up just 0.2 per cent of reports. Wayne fought Michelle's corner and doctors agreed to retest her. They found she had sepsis, a deadly immune reaction to an infection that needs to be treated rapidly. One of the key symptoms of sepsis is someone saying they feel like they are dying, according to the UK Sepsis Trust, as well as a high temperature, chills, a rapid heart rate, a rash that doesn't fade when pressed and breathlessness. The body overreacts to the infection and starts attacking itself, damaging its own tissues and organs. 17 17 17 Michelle began to stabilise after her treatment was changed, with a new antibiotic. Later, doctors told her they believed it was the hotel's Spanish omelette that caused her illness, due to the timings of events. Friends also told Michelle that other guests, like the five in her party, had eaten the omelettes and got sick too. Michelle's daughters flew home with the rest of the group after the fortnight holiday ended and went to stay with their grandparents, while Wayne stayed at Michelle's bedside. She gradually started to feel better, and flew home a week later, but has been left with after-effects, as 40 per cent of survivors are. She lives with chronic fatigue (also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME), non-epileptic seizures, chronic migraines and functional neurological disorder - a problem with how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body. 'I'd give myself black eyes' It wasn't just her life that was changed though. Daughter Lizzie, who was traumatised by her mum's brush with death, was also deeply affected. Lizzie says: 'I'd seen my mum so ill in the hotel, and then we'd seen her in hospital looking grey and almost dead. 'The second I got home, the first thing that I got in my head was, 'OK, so I'm not going to eat.' In my head, it was a case of, 'If you eat, you could die'.' From a healthy 11-year-old, Lizzie grew anxious and gaunt, surviving only on bread sticks, cereal and packaged snacks. In 2017, five years after the holiday, 16-year-old Lizzie suffered a full-blown panic attack on a train after seeing someone being sick. She says: 'I'd never had one properly like that so when I got home I Googled my symptoms and that's the first time I read about emetophobia – a fear of vomiting. That was me.' It spiralled into constant anxiety and self-harm, as Lizzie tried to focus on anything but the fear. 17 17 17 17 'There were days when I had seven or eight panic attacks and wherever I was – on a plane or on a train – I'd start screaming,' she says. 'Looking back, the panic attacks were just this need to create another feeling other than sickness, so I'd create pain. 'I'd even give myself black eyes from hitting myself.' Though talented Lizzie had won a place at drama school in Manchester, she lived alone and didn't socialise. She says: 'I didn't do anything for 12 years. I went to drama school in Manchester but lived on my own because I didn't want to be around others. 'I didn't go to parties. I didn't drink.' In 2023, Lizzie took a dream job as a Christmas elf in Lapland - but was sent home months later after her weight plummeted from nine stone to just five stone two pounds. She says: 'Being abroad, I was just unable to eat anything cooked by others, so I'd be eating breakfast bars from the local shop and not a lot else. 'It got even worse when my flatmate out there got sick. 'I didn't tell anyone about my worries with food but I was sent home from the job. 'Not long after that I lost my acting agent because I just wasn't well enough to get parts. 'It's really sad because I wanted to live, but I'd completely lost all joy in life. 'I was sick of looking at myself in the mirror covered in bruises.' Michelle, who works as a college lecturer with inclusion students, was desperate to help her daughter. They saw private and NHS specialists, as well as multiple therapists. What is emetophobia and how can you overcome it? By Nik and Eva Speakman Emetophobia is an intense fear of vomiting. It is a debilitating and often misunderstood phobia. It can manifest in a range of obsessive-compulsive behaviours, such as excessive sanitisation, extreme food restrictions, eating disorders, health anxiety, and avoidance of travel, medical environments, and even children. Social withdrawal is common, with many sufferers limiting contact with others for fear of illness, vomit and vomit-causing bugs. While it is especially prevalent among women, emetophobia remains under-recognised within the medical community, despite being the most common phobia seen in our clinic. It's estimated that up to 5.5million people in the UK may be affected, yet provision of effective treatment is still limited. Emetophobia is not innate. It typically stems from a distressing childhood experience, such as a traumatic incident at school or mirroring an anxious parent's behaviour. The key to recovery lies in positively reframing these formative experiences with an experienced therapist. Using a simple self-help exercise can really help. Create two columns - Fears vs Facts - to challenge distorted beliefs with logic and evidence. She says: 'We were in despair because my husband and I felt like we had exhausted every option. 'Then I saw there was an emetophobia class with The Speakmans in February 2025 in Manchester and I just booked it instantly. 'I held out no hope but I was just happy Lizzie was willing to go.' Life change experts Nik and Eva Speakman are known for helping thousands overcome phobias. Lizzie says: 'I went into their workshop and by the time I left they'd literally changed my life. 'I shared my story, very nervously on stage. They completely changed the way I had thought about things. 'They told me: 'Being sick didn't nearly kill your mum, it was the egg. Being sick had actually helped save her.' 'Twenty-five minutes into speaking to them, I felt completely different. 'Two weeks later, I couldn't believe it. I got norovirus. 'I'd spent 12 years trying to avoid being sick and now I had it, full on. 'But I was absolutely fine. I was sick all night, non-stop, no issue, no panic attacks.' Today, Lizzie is thriving - eating normally, running a performing arts school and planning a holiday to Greece. She says: 'I still have some of the thoughts but they don't stop me from eating three meals a day, piling the food on. I just don't worry about being sick anymore. 'I used to think I wouldn't be here for much longer. Now, it's like I am living properly because I haven't for so long'.' Michelle remains full of gratitude having nearly lost her life and watching her daughter turn her life around. 'I cherish every day,' she says. 'I've gone from seeing my daughter's life slipping away to seeing her embracing it. I will forever be grateful to The Speakmans.' 17 17 17 For more real-life examples, practical tips, and expert support, tune in to The Speakmans' Hope Clinic podcast, where emetophobia - and other common issues - are treated live. To learn more about The Speakmans' Emetophobia Masterclasses, email: Events@
The Guardian
21 hours ago
- The Guardian
British man dies after hair transplant operation in Turkey
A former assistant head teacher from Milton Keynes has died after getting a hair transplant operation in Istanbul. Martyn Latchman, 38, who left a 16-year career in teaching last year to become a defence contractor, died last week after becoming unwell during the preparatory phase of the £1,500 procedure. The clinic involved, Dr Cinik in the Besikitas area of the city, whose former clients included the former England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, said it was not known why Latchman fell ill. He was transferred to an intensive care ward in a nearby university hospital but died later that day, the clinic confirmed. Turkish media said police had launched an investigation. Latchman's body has since been flown to the UK. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.' Until last December, Latchman, originally from Bridgend in south Wales, had been the assistant headteacher at Goldington academy in Bedford, where he was also head of computer science, according to his LinkedIn profile. His online posts suggest he regularly ran and worked out at gyms. Latchman's family and friends paid tribute to him on social media. Yashley Latchman posted a photograph of him working out with Martyn with the caption 'Rest in Peace my brother.' He wrote: 'You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation. Thanks for everything. Will miss u loads.' Alain Latchman commented: 'Yes Yashley very sad. Too young.' Dr Cinik's website claims it has conducted more than 50,000 successful transplants. Its best known clients are international footballers. As well as Ferdinand, other former patients included the Croatian World Cup finalist Ivan Rakitić, the former France and Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé and the Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo. In a statement, the clinic said it was 'deeply saddened' by Latchman's death. It pointed out that he had a successful hair transplant last summer and had returned this year for a second procedure. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion The statement said: 'Prior to the second operation, all necessary medical evaluations and tests (including blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, etc) were carried out thoroughly and without omission, just as they were during the first procedure. 'These assessments were conducted under the supervision of an anaesthesiologist, and the patient was cleared for surgery. 'However, before the hair transplant procedure began and during the preparatory phase, the patient unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown. 'Immediate medical intervention was provided, and he was urgently transferred to a fully equipped university hospital. Despite ongoing intensive care treatment throughout the day, the patient sadly passed away later that evening.' The statement added: 'Our clinic is an experienced medical institution that has performed over 70,000 hair transplant procedures to date. 'All relevant medical documentation related to this incident has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, and the matter is currently being investigated by judicial bodies.' It also denied reports in the Turkish media last week that Latchman died during the procedure or that the operation was interrupted. It added: 'The incident occurred before the hair transplant procedure had begun. Due to the ongoing legal process and out of respect for the family's privacy, no further details will be disclosed at this time.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Brit tourist, 38, dies after £1,500 hair transplant op in Turkey as heartbreaking tributes pour in
A BRIT tourist has tragically died after undergoing a £1,500 hair transplant operation in Turkey. Martyn Latchman, 38, flew to Istanbul to have a five-hour operation on Monday at Dr. Cinik's clinic in the city's Besiktas district. 5 5 5 But shortly after the surgery, he became seriously unwell and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, according to Turkish outlet OdaTV. He is said to have suffered complications while undergoing the hair transplant procedure. His body was later taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy before being repatriated to the UK. Police have launched a probe, treating the case as a possible 'reckless homicide'. Staff at the clinic — including the surgeon who performed the hair transplant, the anaesthesiologist and nurses — have already been quizzed by officers, it is understood. An FCDO spokesperson told The Sun: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities." Tributes are now pouring in from friends and family for Mr Latchman, whose body has since been flown home. Yashley Latchman posted a picture of keen athlete Mr Latchman on Facebook with the pair working out in a gym. The caption read: "Rest in peace my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation. "Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads." Other family members turned their profiles black in a sign of mourning for Mr Latchman, who was originally from Bridgend but lived in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. According to Dr Cinik Clinic's website, it has treated "more than 50,000 patients" since setting up almost 20 years ago. The website says the clinic has "cutting-edge technology" and is a "centre of excellence in this specialised field". It adds: "Every patient gets personalised care in English, plus access to cutting-edge techniques. "The combination of surgical experience and patient support has made him the go-to specialist for people worldwide." The tragedy comes amid a boom in 'medical tourism' to Turkey, which now accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the global hair transplant market thanks to its cheaper, high-quality procedures. Turkish Healthcare Travel Council says more than one million people travel to the country each year for hair restoration treatments. According to Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic, numbers are expected to climb to 1.1 million in 2025, the Daily Mail reports. It follows the shocking death of 58-year-old British mum Anne Towlson, who passed away last year after a botched cosmetic surgery trip to Istanbul. Mrs Towlson, from Leicestershire, had flown to Turkey in April 2024 for a pre-planned tummy tuck and liposuction at Green Park Hospital in Pendik. When she arrived, doctors persuaded her to also undergo an arm tuck in a 'last-minute decision', her inquest heard. But she quickly developed alarming complications. BOTCHED OP Meanwhile, a British man was left scarred and with bald patches after a botched hair transplant in Istanbul. Luke Horsfield, then 26, paid £1,250 for the surgery at the Clinic Centre — around half the cost of a UK procedure — but said the results were disastrous. 'I did everything they told me to do as aftercare once I had the operation. But after four months, I saw literally no growth,' the IT technician from Bradford said. 'I was left with scars and bald patches.' Luke claimed the surgeons barely spoke English and had removed too many follicles from the back of his head, leaving him worse off than before. Despite the clinic's promise of 'transplant after care', he said he struggled to get hold of anyone once the operation was over. After months of disappointment, the clinic eventually offered him a £400 refund — barely a third of what he had paid — and a second procedure at half price. Luke later had the damage repaired at a Yorkshire clinic.
