Tragedy as Scots ice hockey star, 19, falls to his death from balcony at Ibiza Rocks Hotel

The Irish Sun

21-07-2025

A TEEN ice hockey star has died after plunging from a balcony in Ibiza - just days after another Scots tourist fell to his death at the same hotel.
Gary Kelly, 19,
fell from the third floor at the four-star
Ibiza
Rocks Hotel
in the early hours of this morning.
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Ice hockey star Gary played for both Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season
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Gary died after falling from a third floor balcony at Ibiza Rocks hotel
Credit: Facebook
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Ibiza Rocks has suspended all events following the tragedy
Credit: Darren Fletcher
Two ambulances were sent to the scene but paramedics said there was nothing they could do to save him.
The tragedy, which is being investigated by police, happened just after midnight.
Popular San Antonio party spot Ibiza Rocks is the same hotel where a Scots holidaymaker fell to his death on July 7.
Evan Thomson, 26, from Aberdeen, was on holiday with pals celebrating his birthday.
In the days after Evan's death his loved ones raised questions about safety and blasted the hotel where he died over the way the situation was handled.
Ice hockey star Gary played for both Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season.
Tributes have been paid to the teen on social media since the news of his death.
He has been described as a "hugely talented and charismatic individual" by Dundee Stars.
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A statement from the team said: "The Dundee Stars 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.
Scottish Tourist's Tragic Fall in Ibiza: Community in Mourning
"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."
Aberdeen Lynx also paid tribute to Gary calling him one of their "brightest stars".
The team wrote: "The Lynx family is heartbroken to share the devastating news of the sudden passing of one of our brightest young stars, Gary Kelly, while on holiday.
"Gary was more than just a talented hockey player — he was a young man full of heart, passion, and dedication. On the ice, he gave everything he had. Off the ice, he brought energy, kindness, and an infectious love of life that lifted everyone around him.
"He wore his heart on his sleeve, and that spirit left a lasting mark on our team, our club, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
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Ibiza Rocks released a statement on social media
Credit: Darren Fletcher
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Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, died at the same hotel on July 7
"Gary's potential was limitless, but even more than that, he was simply a brilliant person to be around. He was part of our family, and his absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled.
"We send our deepest condolences to Gary's family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts are with you, and we stand with you in grief and in love.
"As a club, we are doing all we can to support our players and members as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
"Rest easy, Gary — you will always be one of our brightest stars."
Police on the Balearic party island have now launched an investigation into Gary's death.
The Civil Guard confirmed this morning: "We are investigating the death of a 19-year-old British man at a hotel in San Antonio in Ibiza.
"The alarm was raised around 12.40am this morning.
"Our officers were sent to the scene but the man in question was already dead by the time help arrived.
"The fall was from from the third floor of the hotel to an outside part of the complex.
"Court officials authorised the removal of his body at 2.40am this morning.
"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 released a statement this afternoon which states that they have suspended all their events.
It 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."
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office told
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The latest tragic incident is the third time a Scots tourist has died falling from a balcony on the island in the past year.
We told last year how 19-year-old student Emma Ramsay died after falling from a balcony at the Hotel Vibra, also in San Antonio.