Grandfather dies after eating 'half-cooked' chicken from 4-star hotel
A grandfather died after falling ill with food poisoning from partially-cooked chicken at a luxury four-star resort during a holiday to the Canary Islands, an inquest has heard.
Leslie Green, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was struck down with salmonella while staying at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura to celebrate his 70th birthday with family in October 2024.
The retired newspaper delivery driver was admitted to a Spanish hospital, where he developed complications, including sepsis and kidney failure. He tragically died four weeks later on November 4 from multi-organ failure.
The inquest has concluded that his death was a result of salmonella.
His wife of 38 years, Julie, was also left seriously ill after getting salmonella on the day of her 60th birthday, spending a week in hospital. She said they had only eaten from the hotel's buffet during their holiday.
After the hearing, she 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 became unwell on October 9 with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration.
Julie 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 lying out.
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Leslie was seen by the in-resort doctor on October 12 and taken by ambulance to the local clinic to be given fluids. His condition did not improve, and he was admitted to hospital the following day.
Leslie suffered complications including kidney failure, pneumonia and sepsis. He was placed into an induced coma, but continued to deteriorate, and medics said they could do nothing further for him.
Leslie, who had turned 70 in July, died hours after his life-support machine was switched off. His body was repatriated a week later.
Jennifer Hodgson, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie, said: "Julie and the rest of her family remain devastated by Leslie's death and the circumstances surrounding it.
"Understandably they've had a number of concerns about how Leslie contracted his infection. Sadly, the inquest has validated their concerns, hearing worrying evidence.
"What happened to Leslie vividly highlights the impact of salmonella and why it, and other gastric illnesses, should never be downplayed.
"While nothing can make up for the ordeal Julie and her family have been through, it's now vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene for other holidaymakers in the future. We continue to support Julie at this distressing time."
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