Girlfriend of teen who fell to his death at Ibiza Rocks pays tribute to 'inspiring' ice hockey star
The devastated girlfriend of a Scottish ice hockey star who died after falling from an Ibiza hotel has paid tribute to her "inspiring" late partner.
Gary Kelly, from Dundee, died instantly in the fall at Ibiza Rocks during the early hours of Monday morning, July 21. Two ambulances rushed to the scene but paramedics say there was nothing they could do to save him.
The 19-year-old's girlfriend Louise Essery published a tribute to Gary, who she described as inspirational across every area of his life.
Louise took to Facebook with the heart-wrenching statement telling loved ones she would "remember the good times" and "celebrate the love he brought into their lives."
She wrote: "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."
She continued: "Everything feels heavy, and words can't express the love I have for Gary. I wish you could see how much you are loved. Even though our experiences together have paused, the memories we made will stay with me forever. I miss you so much already.
"Thank you for the kind messages about Gary; they mean a lot. I love you forever and always, Gary Kelly."
Officers in Spain confirmed in a statement they were called to the scene at around 12.40am. A probe has been launched following the latest death at the hotel.
Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, lost his life just a fortnight ago at the same four-star hotel. The 26-year-old, who was on holiday with his pal celebrating his birthday, fell to his death on July 7.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Gary, who played ice hockey for both Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season, was remembered as a 'hugely talented and charismatic individual'.
His sister, Kharis Kelly, also left a touching tribute saying: "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."
A spokesman for the Civil Guard added: '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.'
On Monday, bosses at Ibiza Rocks said they were "deeply shocked and devastated" following the latest tragedy as they suspended all events at the hotel.
A spokesperson said: "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."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Michelle Agyemang's youth team hails Lioness as girls' football enjoys boost
The 19-year-old Arsenal forward, who scored dramatic equalisers in both the quarter-final and semi-final, began her footballing journey at Brandon Groves AFC in South Ockendon, Essex. Roy Enright, 45, who manages the girls' team, said her legacy has led to a surge of new recruits. He said: 'It's great for the girls to see someone like Michelle who's played at the same club, from the same area, and from her hard work made it to the highest level. 'When I set the girls' team up in 2022, I started with zero players. 'When Michelle was here, she even had to play on the boys' team. 'Now I've got a squad of 20 girls at my age group and that has all come from the Lionesses – especially their success at the last Euros. 'Given that Michelle is from the area, played for the club, and is doing so well, we're getting even more girls joining up. 'That's the legacy she has left for us.' Terry Tisdall, 40, who manages the boys' under-11s, said: 'The girls are so proud of her – she's the star of the show. 'They used to wear shirts with men's players' names on and now they've all got Agyemang on the back.' Agyemang left Brandon Groves for Arsenal's academy when she was around 10 years old before becoming one of the most highly rated youngsters at the Gunners. She recently invited the Brandon Groves players to St George's Park, the home of the England team, so they could watch the Lionesses train. Mr Enright said: 'It meant the world to them – it just goes to show how Michelle cares. 'She was fantastic – she took the time out to speak to all the girls, take selfies and sign autographs.' Agyemang has become one of the Lionesses' stand-out players this summer after netting in the quarter-final and semi-final. England's Michelle Agyemang (centre) and team-mates celebrate after the Women's Euro 2025 semi-final at the Stade de Geneve, Switzerland (Nick Potts/PA) Mr Enright, who works as a tech consultant, said: 'The impact is fantastic – there's so much excitement with the girls.' Mr Tisdall added: 'The WhatsApp group chat was going crazy when she scored those goals.' Agyemang, who only made her senior England debut in April, is now expected to feature in Sunday's final against Spain in Basel. And the girls from Brandon Groves will be watching the final together at a local social club. Mr Enright said: 'Everyone's so excited – we're all behind Michelle and it's going to be a fantastic day.'
Powys County Times
2 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Michelle Agyemang's youth team hails Lioness as girls' football enjoys boost
Michelle Agyemang's former youth club has praised the England striker's impact on the next generation of young footballers ahead of the Lionesses' Euro 2025 final. The 19-year-old Arsenal forward, who scored dramatic equalisers in both the quarter-final and semi-final, began her footballing journey at Brandon Groves AFC in South Ockendon, Essex. Roy Enright, 45, who manages the girls' team, said her legacy has led to a surge of new recruits. He said: 'It's great for the girls to see someone like Michelle who's played at the same club, from the same area, and from her hard work made it to the highest level. 'When I set the girls' team up in 2022, I started with zero players. 'When Michelle was here, she even had to play on the boys' team. 'Now I've got a squad of 20 girls at my age group and that has all come from the Lionesses – especially their success at the last Euros. 'Given that Michelle is from the area, played for the club, and is doing so well, we're getting even more girls joining up. 'That's the legacy she has left for us.' Terry Tisdall, 40, who manages the boys' under-11s, said: 'The girls are so proud of her – she's the star of the show. 'They used to wear shirts with men's players' names on and now they've all got Agyemang on the back.' Agyemang left Brandon Groves for Arsenal's academy when she was around 10 years old before becoming one of the most highly rated youngsters at the Gunners. She recently invited the Brandon Groves players to St George's Park, the home of the England team, so they could watch the Lionesses train. Mr Enright said: 'It meant the world to them – it just goes to show how Michelle cares. 'She was fantastic – she took the time out to speak to all the girls, take selfies and sign autographs.' Agyemang has become one of the Lionesses' stand-out players this summer after netting in the quarter-final and semi-final. Mr Enright, who works as a tech consultant, said: 'The impact is fantastic – there's so much excitement with the girls.' Mr Tisdall added: 'The WhatsApp group chat was going crazy when she scored those goals.' Agyemang, who only made her senior England debut in April, is now expected to feature in Sunday's final against Spain in Basel. And the girls from Brandon Groves will be watching the final together at a local social club. Mr Enright said: 'Everyone's so excited – we're all behind Michelle and it's going to be a fantastic day.'
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Michelle Agyemang's youth team hails Lioness as girls' football enjoys boost
The 19-year-old Arsenal forward, who scored dramatic equalisers in both the quarter-final and semi-final, began her footballing journey at Brandon Groves AFC in South Ockendon, Essex. Roy Enright, 45, who manages the girls' team, said her legacy has led to a surge of new recruits. He said: 'It's great for the girls to see someone like Michelle who's played at the same club, from the same area, and from her hard work made it to the highest level. 'When I set the girls' team up in 2022, I started with zero players. 'When Michelle was here, she even had to play on the boys' team. 'Now I've got a squad of 20 girls at my age group and that has all come from the Lionesses – especially their success at the last Euros. 'Given that Michelle is from the area, played for the club, and is doing so well, we're getting even more girls joining up. 'That's the legacy she has left for us.' Terry Tisdall, 40, who manages the boys' under-11s, said: 'The girls are so proud of her – she's the star of the show. 'They used to wear shirts with men's players' names on and now they've all got Agyemang on the back.' Agyemang left Brandon Groves for Arsenal's academy when she was around 10 years old before becoming one of the most highly rated youngsters at the Gunners. She recently invited the Brandon Groves players to St George's Park, the home of the England team, so they could watch the Lionesses train. Mr Enright said: 'It meant the world to them – it just goes to show how Michelle cares. 'She was fantastic – she took the time out to speak to all the girls, take selfies and sign autographs.' Agyemang has become one of the Lionesses' stand-out players this summer after netting in the quarter-final and semi-final. England's Michelle Agyemang (centre) and team-mates celebrate after the Women's Euro 2025 semi-final at the Stade de Geneve, Switzerland (Nick Potts/PA) Mr Enright, who works as a tech consultant, said: 'The impact is fantastic – there's so much excitement with the girls.' Mr Tisdall added: 'The WhatsApp group chat was going crazy when she scored those goals.' Agyemang, who only made her senior England debut in April, is now expected to feature in Sunday's final against Spain in Basel. And the girls from Brandon Groves will be watching the final together at a local social club. Mr Enright said: 'Everyone's so excited – we're all behind Michelle and it's going to be a fantastic day.'
