Camilla Jessen
Two tourists drop to their deaths two weeks apart at Ibiza hotel.
Two young Scottish men died in eerily similar balcony falls just 14 days apart at the same Ibiza hotel, prompting a criminal investigation and forcing the venue to suspend events.
Two Fatal Falls, One Hotel
The victims—19-year-old Gary Kelly and 26-year-old Evan Thomson—died after separate falls from balconies at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio.
On July 21, professional ice hockey player Gary Kelly, who played for the Dundee Stars, fell from the third floor of the hotel.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, Kelly was pronounced dead.
According to The Mirror, Spain’s Civil Guard stated that the fall “could be accidental,” though the investigation is still ongoing.
Second Tragedy Two Weeks Earlier
Just two weeks earlier, on July 7, Evan Thomson from Aberdeen died in a similar incident.
He fell from the sixth floor of the same hotel while vacationing with friends and his girlfriend to celebrate his birthday.
Thomson was also declared dead at the scene.
The Loss of Gary Kelly
Tributes for Gary Kelly poured in from the international ice hockey community, friends, and loved ones.
The Dundee Stars described him as a “hugely talented and charismatic individual who had a great future ahead of him.”
Kelly’s girlfriend, Louise Essery, shared on Facebook: “I never thought I would be sat here writing a goodbye. I love you forever and always, Gary Kelly.”
Evan Thomson’s Final Days
Evan Thomson had been celebrating his 26th birthday on the island with friends and girlfriend Remi Duncan when he fell from the hotel’s sixth-floor balcony.
His death was confirmed at the scene despite rapid response from emergency teams.
Duncan posted a tribute that included a photo of the couple, writing: “I’ll love you forever, my boy.”
Evan’s mother, Lel Kellighan, also posted a public message 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. We are all absolutely broken.”
Ibiza Rocks Suspends Events
Following the two deaths, Ibiza Rocks announced the suspension of its scheduled events.
The hotel is one of the island’s most well-known open-air music venues, which has hosted artists like Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran.
Statement From the Hotel
In a statement shared on Facebook, hotel management said, “We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred.”
They added: “Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones… 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.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, there is no official confirmation about the exact circumstances that led to either death, though both are under investigation.
Spanish police have not ruled out accidental causes.
