Talented hockey player Gary Kelly, who tragically died while on holiday in Ibiza, was described by his team as ‘a young man full of heart, passion, and dedication’
The teenager who plunged to his death from a hotel in Ibiza has been named as Scots ice hockey player Gary Kelly.
The 19-year-old was visiting the Spanish island when he fell from the four-star Ibiza Rocks Hotel – the same place where Scots holidaymaker Evan Thomson lost his life just a fortnight ago. Two ambulances were sent to the scene, but paramedics said there was nothing they could do to save him.
The tragedy, which is being investigated by police, occurred just after midnight. This morning, the Civil Guard confirmed he was a British national – and he has now been identified as Gary.
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.”
The Dundee Stars 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 are 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.”
Gary, from Dundee, went to the city’s St John’s Roman Catholic High School. 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.”
Earlier this month, Evan died after falling from his sixth-floor balcony at the hotel while celebrating his 26th birthday with friends. His devastated loved ones are now demanding answers following concerns over safety at the hotel.
The man, from Aberdeen, Scotland, was pronounced dead at the scene after medics rushed to the hotel at 6am on July 7. Friends and family have blasted bosses over how the aftermath of Evan’s death was handled, and have claimed the hotel resumed normal operations less than 90 minutes after his traumatic death. They are enraged by social media posts uploaded hours later advertising their next pool party.
They claimed they sat in an office “without answers” for an hour after they were informed of Evan’s death before they were allowed back to their rooms. The tragic Brit’s pals say they were told to pack up their belongings before being transferred to another nearby hotel.
Angry friend Blair Robertson, 25, told the Press and Journal: “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.
“They took us out of the hotel at around 9am and put us in a new hotel down the road. It was like they wanted to get back to business as usual as soon as possible. It was just a very traumatic experience. They just wanted us out – and to start the party again. It was a disregard of life. It was hard hearing the cleaners coming into the room in the morning, as though nothing had happened.”