A popular Ibiza hotel and party destination has halted all events after two tourists, both from Scotland, died in separate balcony falls just 14 days apart—prompting a full investigation by Spanish authorities.
On July 21, 19-year-old professional ice hockey player Gary Kelly died after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, a well-known open-air venue frequented by partygoers. Despite efforts by emergency responders, Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene. Spain’s Civil Guard suggested the fall may have been accidental.
Just two weeks earlier, on July 7, 26-year-old Evan Thomson, another Scottish tourist, fell from a sixth-floor balcony at the same hotel while celebrating his birthday with friends and his girlfriend. He also died at the scene despite emergency intervention.
Gary Kelly remembered
Kelly, who played for the Dundee Stars, was remembered as a gifted and charismatic athlete with a bright future. Tributes from the hockey community and beyond have flooded in. The Dundee Stars issued a heartfelt message, stating his death will be deeply felt by many.
His girlfriend, Louise Essery, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, expressing her disbelief and grief. She wrote about the lessons he taught her, their memories together, and the enduring love she feels. “I love you forever and always, Gary Kelly,” she concluded.
Tributes for Evan Thomson
Thomson, from Aberdeen, was celebrating his 26th birthday at the time of the fall. His girlfriend, Remi Duncan, posted a touching message on social media, writing, “I’ll love you forever, my boy,” alongside a photo of them together.
His mother, Lel Kellighan, also shared her heartbreak in a Facebook post, calling the incident a “tragic accident” and asking for privacy as the family grieves.
Hotel responds with event suspension
Following the two deaths, Ibiza Rocks announced it has suspended its event schedule. The venue, which has hosted major stars such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Calvin Harris, said in a public statement that it is “deeply shocked and devastated” by the incidents.
The hotel emphasized that guest safety remains its top priority and that it is fully cooperating with authorities. “Out of respect for those involved and the seriousness of the situation,” the statement read, “we believe it is right to pause our advertised events at this time.”
Police investigations into both deaths are ongoing, and further details have yet to be released.