Tributes paid to Scottish ice hockey star after death in Ibiza

BBC News

a day ago

Tributes have been paid to a 19-year-old Scottish ice hockey player who died in a fall at a resort in Ibiza.Gary Kelly, from Dundee, is thought to have fallen from a balcony at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, in San Antonio, on Monday.It came just two weeks after another Scottish tourist, 26-year-old Evan Thomson, fell to his death at the same premises.Dundee Stars said they were "heartbroken" about Mr Kelly's death, describing him as a "hugely talented and charismatic" player.
In a social media post, Mr Kelly's sister Paige said he was "the life, the soul of everything".She added: "I don't think this pain will ever stop."
Writing on Facebook, Mr Kelly's older sister Kharis said: "Our hearts are shattered beyond words. "Our handsome boy has gone to the other side, absolutely no words."She added: "We are asking everyone to respect our privacy as a family while we try to navigate through this tragic news."Mr Kelly's girlfriend Louise Essery posted: "His passion and dedication was inspiring, whether in hockey, work, or with loved ones."Everything feels heavy, and words can't express the love I have for Gary."Staff at the ice hockey player's former school, St John's Roman Catholic High School in Dundee, said that they were heartbroken.
Mr Thomson, from Aberdeen, died at the same venue on 7 July. His mother said in a social media tribute that he had been on holiday with friends."I'm absolutely heartbroken to write and tell you all, earlier this week my son Evan was in a tragic accident whilst on holiday with his friends in Ibiza and sadly passed away," she wrote."We are all absolutely broken."Spain's civil guard told the BBC that Mr Kelly died in the early hours of Monday after falling from a balcony, and said his death was an accident.Ibiza Rocks, which has cancelled its upcoming events, said it was working with the relevant authorities.It added: "The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority."The venue, on the west of the island, is known for its offering of hotel accommodation alongside its on-site music venue and daytime pool parties.
Floral tributes have been left Dundee Ice Arena and in Aberdeen, where he played for the Aberdeen Lynx team. The team said Gary had been "one of our brightest young stars"."Gary was more than just a talented hockey player - he was a young man full of heart, passion, and dedication," the team said in a statement. "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."Glasgow Clan said offered condolences following the "truly heartbreaking news".Whitley Warriors, a team Mr Kelly played for briefly, described him as a "popular player in the dressing room". A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities."