Latest news with #GaryKelly
Daily Record
18 hours ago
- Daily Record
Inside notorious Ibiza Rocks Hotel where two Scots holidaymakers recently died
Gary Kelly, 19, and Evan Thomson, 26, both died after they fell from balconies at the hotel in separate incidents this month. The notorious Ibiza Rocks Hotel has faced four tragic deaths in just less than three months - including two Scots holidaymakers. Gary Kelly, 19, from Dundee died after he fell from the third-floor just after midnight on Monday. Paramedics raced to the incident but sadly there was nothing they could do to save him. His tragic death came just a fortnight after Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, fell to his death from a balcony on the sixth floor of the same hotel. Evan had been visiting the isle to celebrate his 26th birthday with friends. He was pronounced dead at the scene after medics rushed to the hotel at around 6am on July 7. At the time, his loved ones blasted hotel bosses over how the aftermath of his death was dealt with. They argued the hotel resumed normal operations less than 90 minutes after his passing. They were enraged by social media posts allegedly uploaded hours later advertising their next pool party. Evan's friends also claimed they sat in an office "without answers" for an hour after they were informed of Evan's death before being allowed back to their rooms. Evan's sister Teila said: 'Ibiza is known for its partying and it just stuns me that they don't have higher safety precautions. Pray nobody else suffers. And, once it did happen, the hotel's response was just completely heartbreaking; almost as if it never happened. I pray no other family has to go through this." Remi Duncan, 23, said: 'It was disgusting. There was minimal respect for the situation, considering the music went back on soon after Evan had died. It puts a pit in your stomach.' In April, a British woman, 33, died at the hotel. Local police and paramedics rushed to the hotel, situated just metres from one of the world's most famous sunsets, after the alarm was raised around 6.30pm on April 30. Emergency responders confirmed when they arrived the holidaymaker had gone into cardiac arrest and spent around 40 minutes practicing CPR on her to try to revive her. She was declared dead at the scene after efforts to save her life proved unsuccessful. Three days prior, a 19-year-old Italian tourist of Turkish origin plunged to her death from the fourth-floor at the same hotel. She had flown to the island the previous day and gone out partying. At the time, she was said to have been trying to reach her room via a balcony from a shared area of the hotel after realising she didn't have her key card. Her lifeless body was discovered around 9am on April 27. In light of Gary's death, Ibiza Rocks hotel has suspended its events as authorities conduct inquiries. A statement read: "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. 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." The Ibiza Rocks Hotel - a hotspot known for its live music poolside events featuring top artists and DJs - is a magnet for British holidaymakers. The venue boasts a large pool, sun terraces, bars, and entertainment, drawing in young Brits with its vibrant atmosphere. Tourists are often seen dancing on balconies up to six floors above the music stage or in the swimming pool, often while intoxicated. One person who stayed there "many years ago" told the Mirror: "It was full of 18-24 year olds, girls were more interested in their looks etc than getting drunk but the boys were getting very drunk and high. Drugs were most of the problem. I actually saw the body of a teenager lying on the ground after he fell from the balcony of a hotel nearby. It turned out he was the precious son of a good family who was on his first boys holiday and was a talented rugby player." They added: "The main trouble is ketamine - it makes users hallucinate and feel invincible. Spanish police once said it was main reason for the balcony deaths - and the fact that guys try to get to each other balconies for a laugh. It has not changed sadly." Former guests at the hotel have shared their thoughts on social media. One partygoer wrote: "It's a really fun place… until it isn't. It's 24/7 carnage, just party after party with everyone dancing on balconies or swimming in pools even though they're wasted." Another expressed on X: "This place needs shut down! The stories that are coming out and the way they treat their guests is appalling! A pattern like this shows serious safety failings but they continued business as usual and now unfortunately another young man has died! Heartbreaking." Someone else commented: "The balcony railings are far too low it seems to me." Another fumed: "How many people need to die before you ACTUALLY do something about the safety of your hotel! absolutely ridiculous!!!!! Rest in peace Evan, so lucky to have known you." On TripAdvisor, yet another slammed: "A horror, to flee absolutely!! Hotel just horrible. Customers are disrespectful and there is no control or oversight by staff. If you want to spend a sleepless night, you've come to the right place: it's noisy, poorly insulated, and chaos reigns all night. No respect for the rest of others. A frankly unpleasant experience from start to finish. Go your way!" In a review from August last year one holidaymaker wrote: "DECADENT! Hotel is full of drunk people screaming and shouting 24/7 - security is rude and they don't have control over it". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. One traveller wrote on Tripadvisor: "Wow!!! I have just got back from 4 nights @ Ibiza Rocks and it has been INCREDIBLE! I travelled alone with a friend meeting me out there later in the week!" A second added: "This hotel is absolutely wild and is totally for the party goers in Ibiza. There is music daily. The hotel is very clean, staff are fabulous and so accommodating. I was expecting a very young crowd here but surprising the age group was late 20's to mid 40's which was great. It was definitely an experience". A third shared: "Stayed for a hen party with a group of 15 girls - hotel was fantastic, rooms were clean & staff were really friendly & helpful - highly recommend the rooftop room for hens was so great having the extra space! The chill pool is so good, prices there are so reasonable too - shop on site and also right opposite with everything you need - walking distance to everywhere you want to go that side of the Island!"
The Independent
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Ice hockey club retire shirt number of teenage star who died in Ibiza
Tributes to a 'hugely talented' Scottish ice hockey player who died in a suspected fall from a hotel balcony in Ibiza are continuing to pour in, with teammates opting to retire his shirt number for the upcoming season out of 'respect' for the teenager. Gary Kelly, 19, who played for the Dundee Stars, died at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio on Monday. On Tuesday the club announced that 'as a mark of respect' for Mr Kelly, one of his teammates has opted to change his shirt number for the upcoming season. In a social media post, the club explained: '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, the club's home venue, with the club thanking those who had done so. 'Floral tributes are being left at Dundee Ice Arena for one of our own, Gary Kelly,' the club said on social media. 'If you wish to leave flowers, please feel free to do so.' A fundraising page has been set up for the Kelly family, which has so far received donations from more than 700 people totalling £17,700, with a target of £22,000. The GoFundMe page reads: 'We are all feeling the loss of young Gary Kelly. '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. John Colley, chairman of Scottish Ice Hockey and Aberdeen Lynx – where Mr Kelly also played – said on Tuesday the entire hockey community is still 'coming to terms with the devastating loss of Gary Kelly'. He went on: '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. '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.' In a statement issued following the news of Mr Kelly's death, the Dundee Stars said everyone at the club was 'heartbroken'. The club added: '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.' The incident came after another Scottish tourist, Evan Thomson, 26, fell to his death at the same hotel premises earlier in July.
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Spate of tragedies at Spanish ‘Death Hotel' Ibiza Rocks laid bare after deaths of at least 7 tourists including Brits
A POPULAR hotel in Spain has gained unwanted global attention after a spate of tragic tourist deaths - including two Brits in the last month. At least seven holidaymakers have lost their lives at the now infamous Ibiza Rocks party resort which has been labelled as the "Death Hotel". 10 Ibiza Rocks hotel has gained unwanted global attention after a spate of tragic tourist deaths Credit: Darren Fletcher 10 The infamous Ibiza Rocks hotel is known for hosting major events by partygoers Credit: Alamy 10 Gary Kelly's death at the four-star Ibiza Rocks Hotel prompted all the events to be suspended 10 Fellow Brit Evan Thomson died just over two weeks before Kelly in similar tragic circumstances San Antonio's Ibiza Rocks had been known as one of the Spanish island's most beloved spots for partygoers. For two decades, some of the biggest events of the summer have taken place at the huge poolside area. Huge DJs and celebrities have welcomed in thousands of guests to the star-studded pool parties up until this year. A spate of recent deaths, including Brits Evan Thomson, 26, and Gary Kelly, 19, has caused all of the upcoming events to be paused. read more in Ibiza Rocks The venue announced their decision in a statement which came just hours after the death of Kelly. The teenage ice hockey star lost his life after falling from a third floor balcony at Ibiza Rocks in the early hours of the morning. Two ambulances were sent to the scene but there was nothing the paramedics could do to save him. The statement from Ibiza Rocks posted on their social media pages read: "The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority. Most read in The Sun "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." Just two weeks earlier, fellow Brit Thomson also died in similar tragic circumstances. Heartbreaking tributes to Brit friends, 27 & 29, who both drowned in Algarve holiday pool in 'unimaginable' tragedy He was on holiday with pals celebrating his birthday at the hotel when he plunged from the sixth-floor to his death. There has been no suggestion the hotel is responsible for any of the deaths. But the Aberdeen lad's family were quick to call out the hotel for their response to his death. They claimed the hotel's handling of the Evan's friend Blair Robertson, 25, said: "We heard the jet washes from the ground cleaning the area where Evan died and it had only been 90 minutes or so since he was found. "That was the worst thing for us to hear – how fast they tried to get things back to normal." His other friend James Shand told Press and Journal: "Seeing them post 'are you all ready for the next event?' within hours of it happening was sickening. "If something like this happened in the UK, the place would get shut down." 10 The final minutes of former rugby player Luke Rhoden's life were steeped in mystery for years after he died at the hotel Credit: Paul Edwards - The Sun 10 Mum Amy, 23, died at the hotel in her sleep after going out partying Credit: Facebook 10 The hotel often calls itself the home of the pool party As police continue to investigate both of the young Brit's deaths, a worrying number of other tragedies at the hotel have been revealed. Ibizan outlet Noudiari even reported that the "latest incident adds to a worrying statistic that has led some people to refer to Ibiza Rocks as the "Death Hotel'." Two deaths rocked Ibiza in April when a Paramedics and police rushed to the hotel but pronounced the 33-year-old dead after 40 minutes trying to resuscitate her. The woman reportedly had a cardioverter defibrillator implant which helped to monitor her heartbeat and treat abnormal heart rhythms. Just three days earlier, a 19-year-old Italian tourist died after she fell from the fourth-floor of the hotel. The woman is said to have been partying late into the night before returning to her room and finding she was locked out. She then decided to try and access her room via a balcony, according to local media. The teen lost her footing and fell to her death. In a statement afterwards, Ibiza Rocks Hotel said: "Following the tragic events that occurred this week due to causes beyond our control, IRG expresses its dismay and extends its utmost support to the families of the victims, thanking people for respect for their privacy in a situation of immeasurable pain." 10 Several victims have fallen to their deaths from balconies in the past Credit: Darren Fletcher 10 The hotel is frequently visited by celebs including Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Stormzy In August 2020, another incident saw a Amy Connor, 23, had been sunbathing with her sister and their friends before heading back to her room to shower and have a nap. Her friends found her unconscious in bed a short time later. Heartbroken sister Toni has always praised the hotel for how they handled the situation. She said they offered the group help with everything from flights home to even paying for extra cases to help them feel comfortable. One of the most notable deaths linked to the hotel came in 2014. The final minutes of former rugby player Luke Rhoden's life were steeped in mystery for years after his family announced his passing. Rhoden, 25, died on September 2, with police initially saying he fell from a first-floor balcony before running through the hotel screaming "someone's trying to kill me". The Spanish Civil Guard managed to subdue the athlete by giving him a sedative and placed him in an ambulance. He then died at the scene as paramedics spent 40 minutes trying to revive him. But theories soon emerged that Rhoden's death may have been caused by the officers as they tried to restrain him. Dad Norman would call for an investigation after reading reports his son was "excessively beaten" on social media. An inquest was launched in Bolton as a jury found he died of asphyxiation caused by the excessive restraining methods adopted by the Guardia Civil and an adverse reaction to drug use. Ibiza Rocks was at the centre of the police probe for weeks but staff were later praised by cops after a woman filmed the altercation. The seventh reported death at Ibiza Rocks dates back to 2008. British holidaymaker Michael Robertson, 23, collapsed at the hotel after taking ecstasy. He was rushed to the Can Misses Hospital but passed away suffering repeated heart failure. 10 Craig David performing at the iconic venue Credit: Supplied
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Spate of tragedies at Spanish ‘Death Hotel' Ibiza Rocks laid bare after deaths of at least 7 tourists including Brits
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR hotel in Spain has gained unwanted global attention after a spate of tragic tourist deaths - including two Brits in the last month. At least seven holidaymakers have lost their lives at the now infamous Ibiza Rocks party resort which has been labelled as the "Death Hotel". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Ibiza Rocks hotel has gained unwanted global attention after a spate of tragic tourist deaths Credit: Darren Fletcher 10 The infamous Ibiza Rocks hotel is known for hosting major events by partygoers Credit: Alamy 10 Gary Kelly's death at the four-star Ibiza Rocks Hotel prompted all the events to be suspended 10 Fellow Brit Evan Thomson died just over two weeks before Kelly in similar tragic circumstances San Antonio's Ibiza Rocks had been known as one of the Spanish island's most beloved spots for partygoers. For two decades, some of the biggest events of the summer have taken place at the huge poolside area. Huge DJs and celebrities have welcomed in thousands of guests to the star-studded pool parties up until this year. A spate of recent deaths, including Brits Evan Thomson, 26, and Gary Kelly, 19, has caused all of the upcoming events to be paused. read more in Ibiza Rocks HOLS HORROR Brit tourist, 19, killed in 3rd floor plunge from Ibiza Rocks hotel The venue announced their decision in a statement which came just hours after the death of Kelly. The teenage ice hockey star lost his life after falling from a third floor balcony at Ibiza Rocks in the early hours of the morning. Two ambulances were sent to the scene but there was nothing the paramedics could do to save him. The statement from Ibiza Rocks posted on their social media pages read: "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." Just two weeks earlier, fellow Brit Thomson also died in similar tragic circumstances. Heartbreaking tributes to Brit friends, 27 & 29, who both drowned in Algarve holiday pool in 'unimaginable' tragedy He was on holiday with pals celebrating his birthday at the hotel when he plunged from the sixth-floor to his death. There has been no suggestion the hotel is responsible for any of the deaths. But the Aberdeen lad's family were quick to call out the hotel for their response to his death. They claimed the hotel's handling of the situation was "horrific". Evan's friend Blair Robertson, 25, said: "We heard the jet washes from the ground cleaning the area where Evan died and it had only been 90 minutes or so since he was found. "That was the worst thing for us to hear – how fast they tried to get things back to normal." His other friend James Shand told Press and Journal: "Seeing them post 'are you all ready for the next event?' within hours of it happening was sickening. "If something like this happened in the UK, the place would get shut down." 10 The final minutes of former rugby player Luke Rhoden's life were steeped in mystery for years after he died at the hotel Credit: Paul Edwards - The Sun 10 Mum Amy, 23, died at the hotel in her sleep after going out partying Credit: Facebook 10 The hotel often calls itself the home of the pool party As police continue to investigate both of the young Brit's deaths, a worrying number of other tragedies at the hotel have been revealed. Ibizan outlet Noudiari even reported that the "latest incident adds to a worrying statistic that has led some people to refer to Ibiza Rocks as the "Death Hotel'." Two deaths rocked Ibiza in April when a British woman collapsed and died in her room. Paramedics and police rushed to the hotel but pronounced the 33-year-old dead after 40 minutes trying to resuscitate her. The woman reportedly had a cardioverter defibrillator implant which helped to monitor her heartbeat and treat abnormal heart rhythms. Just three days earlier, a 19-year-old Italian tourist died after she fell from the fourth-floor of the hotel. The woman is said to have been partying late into the night before returning to her room and finding she was locked out. She then decided to try and access her room via a balcony, according to local media. The teen lost her footing and fell to her death. In a statement afterwards, Ibiza Rocks Hotel said: "Following the tragic events that occurred this week due to causes beyond our control, IRG expresses its dismay and extends its utmost support to the families of the victims, thanking people for respect for their privacy in a situation of immeasurable pain." 10 Several victims have fallen to their deaths from balconies in the past Credit: Darren Fletcher 10 The hotel is frequently visited by celebs including Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Stormzy In August 2020, another incident saw a young woman pass away in her sleep as she stayed at the hotel. Amy Connor, 23, had been sunbathing with her sister and their friends before heading back to her room to shower and have a nap. Her friends found her unconscious in bed a short time later. Heartbroken sister Toni has always praised the hotel for how they handled the situation. She said they offered the group help with everything from flights home to even paying for extra cases to help them feel comfortable. One of the most notable deaths linked to the hotel came in 2014. The final minutes of former rugby player Luke Rhoden's life were steeped in mystery for years after his family announced his passing. Rhoden, 25, died on September 2, with police initially saying he fell from a first-floor balcony before running through the hotel screaming "someone's trying to kill me". The Spanish Civil Guard managed to subdue the athlete by giving him a sedative and placed him in an ambulance. He then died at the scene as paramedics spent 40 minutes trying to revive him. But theories soon emerged that Rhoden's death may have been caused by the officers as they tried to restrain him. Dad Norman would call for an investigation after reading reports his son was "excessively beaten" on social media. An inquest was launched in Bolton as a jury found he died of asphyxiation caused by the excessive restraining methods adopted by the Guardia Civil and an adverse reaction to drug use. Ibiza Rocks was at the centre of the police probe for weeks but staff were later praised by cops after a woman filmed the altercation. The seventh reported death at Ibiza Rocks dates back to 2008. British holidaymaker Michael Robertson, 23, collapsed at the hotel after taking ecstasy. He was rushed to the Can Misses Hospital but passed away suffering repeated heart failure.
STV News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- STV News
Shirt number retired in tribute to ice hockey star who died in Ibiza fall
A Dundee Ice Hockey team has retired the shirt number previously belonging to a player who died in Ibiza to honour his memory. Gary Kelly has been described as a promising young ice hockey player following his death at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel on Monday. The 19-year-old reportedly fell from the third floor of the hotel while on holiday. Gary started his career with the Dundee Stars as a junior and donned the number 45 on two occasions, including when making his special Elite League debut. In tribute to their former teammate, the team said his shirt number will now be retired. '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', the team said on social media. Dundee Stars The teenager left Dundee Stars to join the Aberdeen Lynx for the 2022/23 season and had a brief stint with the Dundee Rockets before returning to Lynx. The Lynx club described him as one of their 'brightest young stars' while his girlfriend, Louise Essery, said he had been 'inspiring'. She added: 'I never thought I would be sat here writing a goodbye. 'For those who knew Gary, oh you were so lucky. His passion and dedication was inspiring, whether in hockey, work, or with loved ones. I'm struggling to understand how you are no longer with me. 'It hasn't really hit me yet. Gary taught and showed me valuable lessons that I'll carry with me forever. I think it's important to remember the good times and to celebrate the love he brought into our lives.' The teenager's mum, Kharis Kelly, said: 'Our hearts are shattered beyond words. 'Our handsome boy has gone to the other side, Absolutely no words.' Gary is the second Scot to die at the same hotel in two weeks. Evan Thomson, 26, from Aberdeen, died at the same hotel after also falling from a height while celebrating his 26th birthday. Ibiza Rocks has suspended all events due to take place 'out of respect for those involved' and says it will fully assist authorities. A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil on the island added: 'For now, it appears to have been an accident. As always, an investigation is underway, and we're awaiting an autopsy to determine the cause of death with certainty.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
