A British grandad has died after falling ill from eating ‘half cooked’ chicken at a luxury hotel in Fuerteventura. His wife is urging others to be aware of the signs as she shares her heartbreak
A British dad suffered two major symptoms before he died from eating “half cooked” chicken at a luxury hotel resort, an inquest has heard.
Leslie Green, 70, passed away after contracting salmonella during his holiday at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura. The grandfather-of-one was celebrating his milestone birthday with his family when he fell ill during the second week of the £2,300 stay.
He was admitted to a Spanish hospital where he developed complications, including kidney failure and sepsis. Leslie, of Little Lever, Bolton, Greater Manchester, sadly died in hospital around four weeks later from multi-organ failure.
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An inquest has now determined that the man passed away from food poisoning he contracted as a result of eating partially cooked chicken on holiday. Leslie, a retired newspaper delivery driver for the Manchester Evening News, fell ill on October 9 last year with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration.
Julie, Leslie’s wife of 38 years, said the couple had concerns a carbonara sauce they ate one day was lukewarm while she found her chicken undercooked during another meal. She also claimed she didn’t see any staff washing their hands and newly cooked food would be mixed with food that had been stood.
She was also left seriously ill after she too got salmonella on the day of her 60th birthday and spent a week in hospital. Julie said she and Leslie had only eaten from the buffet in the hotel during their holiday. The hearing at Rochdale Coroner’s Court concluded Leslie died of multi-organ failure as a result of sepsis, caused by salmonella.
After the hearing, Julie said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and trying to come to terms with Leslie’s death.
“Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad. He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same. I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn’t come home. Leslie was the head of our family and someone everyone looked to for help and guidance.”
“There’s now a gaping hole in our family that can never be filled. I’d do anything not to be in this position and for Leslie to be in our lives, but I know that’s not possible.
“Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honour Leslie’s memory. I just hope that by speaking out I can prevent anyone else suffering like Leslie did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
Leslie, who had turned 70 in July 2024 and was placed in an induced coma after falling ill, died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on November 4. His body was repatriated a week later. The Occidental Jandia Playa was approached for comment.
Salmonellosis develops after ingesting salmonella bacteria, and symptoms usually take between 12 and 72 hours to develop.
Seven main signs of food poisoning:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Fever
- High temperature
- Aches and pains
- Generally feeling unwell