THE girlfriend of a promising Scottish hockey player has paid an emotional tribute after he became the third British tourist to die at Ibiza Rocks hotel this year, prompting the venue to suspend its entire events programme.
Gary Kelly, 19, died after falling from the third floor of the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio in the early hours of Monday morning. The teenager from Dundee had been on holiday at the popular party destination when the tragedy occurred around 12.30am.
Louise Essery posted a heartfelt message on Facebook following the death of her boyfriend, writing: “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.”
Family’s Heartbreak as Hockey Community Mourns
Kelly’s family released a devastating statement yesterday, saying their “hearts are shattered beyond words. Commemorating his jersey number 12, they added: “You’ll forever be our boy Gary, Sleep tight.”
The teenager, who played for Scotland and Aberdeen Lynx, was hailed as a “hugely talented and charismatic individual” by Dundee Stars. The club said in a statement: “Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken to hear this tragic news.”
Scottish Ice Hockey paid tribute to the young athlete, stating: “Gary was a dedicated and talented player who proudly wore the Scotland jersey. He brought commitment, energy, and integrity to the sport both on and off the ice.
Second Balcony Death in Fortnight Sparks Safety Outcry
Kelly’s death came exactly 14 days after Evan Thomson, 26, from Aberdeen, fell to his death at the same hotel during a belated birthday celebration on July 7. Thomson’s mother, Lel Kellighan, wrote on Facebook: “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.
Thomson’s family have since criticised the hotel’s safety measures and response to the incident. His sister Teila said: “Ibiza is known for its partying and it just stuns me that they don’t have higher safety precautions. The hotel’s response was just completely heartbreaking – almost as if it never happened.”
Friends of Thomson expressed outrage that music resumed at the hotel shortly after his death, with James Shand saying: “A person’s life has been taken from them, a family has lost their son and they shook it off.
Third Death This Year at Notorious Venue
On April 30, a 33-year-old British woman collapsed and died in her room at the hotel. Spanish media reported she had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator due to existing heart problems.
The string of incidents has led local Spanish newspaper Noudiari to report that people have started calling Ibiza Rocks the “Death Hotel”. The publication wrote: “This hotel, located in the town centre of Sant Antoni, has been the scene of multiple incidents and deaths in recent years, some of them related to balconing.”
In 2008, British holidaymaker Michael Robertson collapsed at the hotel after taking several ecstasy tablets and died in hospital the following day. Post-mortem tests revealed traces of cocaine, ecstasy and alcohol in his system.
Police Launch Investigation as Hotel Suspends Events
A spokesperson for the local police said: “We are investigating the death of a 19-year-old British man at a hotel in San Antonio in Ibiza. The fall was from the third floor of the hotel to an outside part of the complex.
Officers stated that while the fall “could be accidental based on the early information obtained from cameras”, witnesses would need to be located and interviewed as part of the investigation. The results of the post-mortem examination would also be “important to the investigation”, police added.
Following the latest tragedy, Ibiza Rocks posted on social media that it was “deeply shocked” by the recent incidents. The hotel announced: “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.”
Hockey Community United in Grief
The ice hockey community across Britain has united in grief, with tributes pouring in from clubs where Kelly had played. Aberdeen Lynx described him as “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,” the club stated.
Glasgow Clan expressed their “deepest condolences”, calling the news “truly heartbreaking. The Whitley Warriors, where Kelly briefly played, said they were “devastated” by his passing, noting he was “a popular player in the dressing room despite the shortness of his time at Whitley.
Kelly had started his hockey career with Dundee Stars‘ junior programme before making his senior debut for Aberdeen Lynx in 2022-23. He tallied 75 points in 54 appearances and had signed a two-way contract with both teams for the 2025-26 season.
Hotel’s Troubled History Under Scrutiny
The hotel first opened as Club Paraiso Mediterraneo in 1998 as an apartment hotel with 368 units. In 2008, it was bought by the Ibiza Rocks organisation, led by British couple Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle who were behind Ibiza super club Manumission.
At its official opening in May 2008, it was billed as the first 24-hour rock ‘n’ roll hotel. The venue has hosted many big-name performers including David Guetta, Ed Sheeran, Fatboy Slim and Swedish House Mafia.
However, locals living near the hotel have long complained about noise from parties and guests getting drunk. Sant Antoni neighbours have raised concerns about the behaviour of intoxicated guests and the general insecurity the establishment generates in the neighbourhood.
Foreign Office Provides Support
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.
The British Consulate in Palma is understood to be liaising with Spanish authorities and providing assistance to Kelly’s family during this difficult time.
As investigations continue into all three deaths, questions are being raised about safety standards at tourist hotels across the Balearic Islands. The regional government is reportedly monitoring the situation, with public pressure mounting for a comprehensive review of hotel safety policies.
The tragedies have cast a shadow over Ibiza’s summer season, with the island typically attracting around three million tourists annually. Tour operators report receiving inquiries from concerned clients about safety on the island, potentially impacting future bookings.
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