Michael Grant, 45, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children and other families from Ireland, collapsed close to Magaluf’s notorious Punta Ballena strip around 4.30am yesterday
An Irish tourist who died in a Magaluf street yesterday may have been attacked by a motorist who ran him over before he collapsed, it has emerged.
A duty coroner has found Michael Grant, 45, had leg injuries consistent with having been hit by a car as well as bite marks on his arm and shoulder in an initial pre-autopsy examination. The father-of-four physiotherapist from Waterford also had a deep wound with glass inside.
Investigators are now waiting on the results of a full autopsy due to take place later today to see if it confirms initial suspicions the holidaymaker suffered a heart attack after a heavy day’s partying or points to his shock death being linked to something more sinister.
Mr Grant, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children and other families from Ireland, collapsed close to Magaluf’s notorious Punta Ballena strip around 4.30am yesterday. He had reportedly taken a wrong turn and become separated from other members of his group after spending the afternoon drinking by his hotel pool before going out partying.
Police are said to be calling in CCTV footage in the area to try to identify the driver suspected of hitting him and see whether the pair had a confrontation that might explain some of his injuries. A source close to the ongoing inquiry said: “The initial suggestion was that this man’s death could have been linked to what he had consumed before he died. But a prior examination of his body ahead of the full autopsy has thrown up some surprises and given investigators cause for concern.
“Injuries on Mr Grant’s leg are consistent with him being run over by a car. They don’t appear on the face of it to be life-threatening but they have opened up the possibility his death might not be an accident. The investigators don’t know at the moment if the bite marks are connected. Mr Grant’s friends and loved ones including his wife will be questioned as part of the investigation to see if they can shed any light on what happened and help investigators build up a detailed picture of the last hours of his life.”
The group the dead man was part of were staying at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort in Magaluf which describes itself online as a popular hotel for families with young children. Reports yesterday said Mr Grant was believed to have become separated from other members of his group and become disoriented after going out drinking in town following a boozy afternoon by his hotel pool.
A security guard alerted local police, telling officers he had seen the man collapse and fall to the ground. Attempts to revive him at the scene proved unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. The dead man was identified by the hotel wristband he was wearing but also by the tattooed names of his wife and children on his back.
A spokesman for Calvia Council, which is responsible for the Magaluf area, had said earlier in the day the dead man was British before it was confirmed he was travelling on an Irish passport. It said in a statement yesterday: “A 45-year-old man died in the street this morning in the Magaluf area. It occurred around 4.30am. The dead man was staying in a hotel in the area.”
He added: “An employee of a local establishment alerted police, saying that a man was unwell and was stumbling around in the street. Local police arrived and performed CPR but were unable to revive him. The Civil Guard has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of death.”
A Civil Guard source said early yesterday morning: “This death does not appear to be crime-related in any way but the autopsy will be key to determining what happens next.” Mr Grant was a head child coach at St Joseph’s AFC Waterford football club.
It said in a tribute statement released on its Facebook page: “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden shock passing of our dearest club member and head child coach, Michael Grant. As many of you know, Michael was more than just a coach to us – he was a beloved friend and as a club and for his family we need time to process this devastating loss.
Michael was an integral part of our community, and his absence will be profoundly felt. He was not just a coach but a mentor and a friend to all the children and adult members at St Joseph’s. More recently His dedication, passion, and love for the kids were evident in everything he did. He cherished every one of them, and I’m sure you will all agree that his impact was immeasurable.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family: his wife Leanne, their children Kayleigh, Niamh, Shay and Sophia , his parents Sam and Marie, his brothers, sisters and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time. We also want to acknowledge the grief and shock that our own children and members are experiencing. Michael was a significant part of their lives, and his loss is deeply personal to each of us.
“In the coming days, we will share more information regarding any plans to honour Michael’s memory. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this challenging period. Michael, sleep well, dear friend. You will be missed forever, but your legacy and the love you shared will never be forgotten and will always live on in our club.”
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case.”
