Pals of teen who fell to his death at Ibiza Rocks raise £4,000 for his family
A fundraiser to support the family of a Scottish teenager who died after plunging from the third floor at Ibiza Rocks Hotel has raised more than £4,000 in just five hours.
Gary Kelly, 19, died instantly in the fall at the four-star hotel on the party island during the early hours of Monday. Two ambulances were sent to the scene but paramedics say there was nothing they could do to save him.
Holidaymaker 26-year-old Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, died at the hotel under similar circumstances just two weeks ago.
Gary's family has been left heartbroken by the events, which are being investigated by British police.
A fundraiser has since been set up in his name to support his loved ones.
A statement on the GoFundMe reads: "We are all feeling the loss of young Gary Kelly. And I know you can't put a price on life
"But hopefully we can help the family through this as a nicer young man and family you would struggle to find."
Tributes flooded in from Gary as the news broke of his untimely death earlier this week.
Writing online, his sister Kharis Kelly said: "Our hearts are shattered beyond words. Our handsome boy has gone to the other side, Absolutely no words. We are asking everyone to respect our privacy as a family while we try to navigate through this tragic news. You'll forever be our boy Gary, Sleep tight."
His girlfriend Louise Essery published a tribute to Gary, who she described as inspirational across every area of his life.
She said: "I never thought I would be sat here writing a goodbye. For those who knew Gary, oh you were so lucky. His passion and dedication was inspiring, whether in hockey, work, or with loved ones. I'm struggling to understand how you are no longer with me.
"It hasn't really hit me yet. Gary taught and showed me valuable lessons that I'll carry with me forever. I think it's important to remember the good times and to celebrate the love he brought into our lives."
Gary, who played ice hockey for both Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season, was remembered as a 'hugely talented and charismatic individual'.
A statement from Dundee Stars said: 'We 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 a 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.'
A spokesman for the Civil Guard said: 'The fall could be accidental based on the early information obtained from cameras but as part of the investigation possible witnesses will need to be located and interviewed. The results of the post-mortem will also be important to the investigation.'
Ibiza Rocks has since suspended all events in the wake of the two tragedies.
A statement from the hotel on Monday afternoon read: "We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred.
"Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations.
"The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority. 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.
"All customers will be informed directly via email."
Donate to the fundraiser here.
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