A British tourist who died following a fall at Spain’s popular Ibiza Rocks hotel has been named as Gary Kelly from Dundee. Tributes have poured in for the 19-year-old ice hockey player, who died in the early hours of Monday morning at the same hotel where a Scottish tourist died just weeks before.
Emergency services were called to the scene just after midnight, but paramedics said nothing could have been done to save him. Police said the fall “could be accidental based on the early information obtained from cameras”, but that it is conducting a full investigation. A few weeks before, on July 7, Evan Thomson from Aberdeen died after a fall at the same hotel. The 26-year-old was on holiday celebrating his birthday.
Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Team said in a statement on social media: “The Lynx family is heartbroken to share the devastating news of the sudden passing of one of our brightest young stars, Gary Kelly, while on holiday.
“Gary was more than just a talented hockey player — he was a young man full of heart, passion, and dedication. On the ice, he gave everything he had. Off the ice, he brought energy, kindness, and an infectious love of life that lifted everyone around him.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve, and that spirit left a lasting mark on our team, our club, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Gary’s potential was limitless, but even more than that, he was simply a brilliant person to be around. He was part of our family, and his absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled.
“We send our deepest condolences to Gary’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts are with you, and we stand with you in grief and in love.
“As a club, we are doing all we can to support our players and members as they come to terms with this tragic loss. Rest easy, Gary — you will always be one of our brightest stars.”
Tributes also came in from the professional ice hockey club, the Dundee Stars, which said it was heartbroken over the tragic news.
The club said: “The Dundee Stars are truly devastated to learn that Gary Kelly has tragically passed away. 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, is 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.”
Darcey Kathleen Rogers wrote on Facebook: “My heart goes out to your family Gary Kelly. You were an amazing lad and friend carry on playing hockey up there mate, rest in peace.”
Ibiza Rocks said on Monday afternoon that it would suspend all events at the hotel following the incident.
It said in a statement: “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 civil guard said that the teenager had died by the time emergency services arrived.
A spokesman for 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.
“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. 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.”