
Ibiza Rocks Hotel cancels music programme after deaths of two British men this month
Ice hockey player Gary Kelly, 19, died on Monday, while Scottish tourist Evan Thomson, 26, fell to his death at the same hotel two weeks ago.
In a statement, Ibiza Rocks said it was "deeply shocked and devastated" by the incidents at its venue.
"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," it said.
"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."
The hotel and open-air music venue was due to host rapper Dizzee Rascal this week and drum'n'bass band Rudimental next week.
It is not clear how long the events pause will last.
Tributes have poured in for 'hugely talented and charismatic' Gary Kelly, who played for the Dundee Stars.
'We send our thoughts and condolences to Gary's family, partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time," the club said in a statement.
'Everyone at the club, including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken to hear this tragic news.
'Gary was 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."
Other ice hockey clubs have also remembered the 19-year-old after his suspected fall from the hotel balcony.
Whitley Warriors, who Gary Kelly used to play for, remembered him fondly.
'Whitley Warriors are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of former Warrior Gary Kelly," their post on social media said.
'Gary iced for Warriors on only a few occasions in the 2023-24 season but was a popular player in the dressing room despite the shortness of his time at Whitley.'
Glasgow Clan described his death as "truly heartbreaking" on social media.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident during this incredibly difficult time.'
While the Sheffield Steelers also expressed their devastation at the news.
'We send our thoughts and condolences to all that knew him during this difficult time.'
The mother of Evan Thomson, Lel Kellighan, posted on Facebook following his death, saying she was "absolutely heartbroken".
"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."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit, 54, has legs amputated in Thailand after 'hit and run' leaves him needing 24/7 care
WARNING, GRAPHIC CONTENT: An alleged it and run in Thailand left a British man requiring surgery to amputate both of his legs. Willie Braid is still recovering in a Bangkok hospital A British expat lost both of his legs in an alleged hit and run in Thailand. Willie Braid, 54, was involved in a crash with a lorry while he was riding a motorbike in the capita l of Bangkok on July 27. The Scottish man was then rushed to hospital with life-changing injuries and the driver of the lorry is alleged to have fled the scene. Following the crash and the injuries Willie sustained, he suffered kidney failure and was placed in an induced coma. Both of his legs had to be amputated below the knee and he still requires round the clock care in hospital. It comes after a schoolboy, 13, has both legs amputated after 'getting cramp' at sports camp. READ MORE: NATO scrambles warplanes as Russia shoots down West's F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine onslaught His sister June, who flew out to Thailand after she was informed of the crash, said Willie has come out of the coma but 'doesn't know where he is or what's happened'. She explained he 'recognises us, but he's very confused'. She told the Daily Record: "He's come out of the coma but he doesn't know where he is or what's happened. He recognises us, but he's very confused. We've got a psychiatrist working with him but he has no comprehension of his injuries or his amputations, he's delirious. "That could be caused by trauma or an infection. Thankfully, he is receiving exceptional care from the medics here, who are doing everything they can to get him better." Willie, who has lived in Thailand for five years, is also receiving kidney dialysis following the crash. It is expected that he could remain in hospital for at least three months. June continued: "I'm not sure how long I'll stay out here for. Right now, I'm taking everything day by day. Willie will have to stay in the trauma unit for the foreseeable future before he can be moved into rehabilitation. As it stands, he cannot fly, but thankfully he's in the best hands possible." Willie will require lifetime support once he is discharged from hospital and will need to move into supported accommodation. June has now launched a fundraiser to help pay for his rehabilitation and medical bills. She continued: "Willie's road to recovery will be long and challenging. He will require 24/7 care in Bangkok, as he is unable to travel until his wounds heal. "Once he is stable, he will undergo rehabilitation and be fitted for prosthetic legs, which will help him regain his independence. With that said, we're seeking support during this difficult time." Nearly £5,000 has been raised since the fundraiser was launched earlier this month. Meanwhile, June and her family are receiving support from the British Embassy in Thailand to trace those responsible for the alleged hit and run and bring them to justice. He added: "Right now, we're receiving support from the embassy to find a lawyer who will take our case up with the police. Until then, we will be fundraising to get Willie better."


Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Families of murder victims 'relieved' as Government backs parole ban for killers who hide bodies
Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser's families met with Justice Secretary Angela Constance to press for an amendment to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill. The families of Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser say they feel 'relieved' after the Scottish Government signalled support for changes to the parole system targeting killers who refuse to reveal where their victims are buried. Speaking in Glasgow on Wednesday following a meeting with Justice Secretary Angela Constance, the families issued a joint statement welcoming the move. They also urged the minister to push ahead with the reforms without delay. The meeting was requested by the families to discuss an amendment to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament. The amendment would mean that when a convicted murderer r efuses to reveal the location of their victims remains, this 'must' be taken into account when considering parole. Under current legislation, the parole board rules dictate that this 'may' be taken into account. The changes have sometimes been referred to as 'Suzanne's Law' – named after Suzanne Pilley, who was murdered by her colleague David Gilroy in 2010. However, the Scottish Government has not used this term and says decisions on parole are for the independent parole board. Gail Fairgrieve, sister of Suzanne Pilley, and her mother Sylvia Pilley were joined by Carol Gillies – who is Arlene Fraser's sister – in Glasgow on Wednesday. Arlene Fraser vanished in 1998, with her husband Nat Fraser being convicted of her murder in 2012. The joint statement said: 'Today we met with Justice Secretary Angela Constance to seek assurances that this important amendment will go through in the Bill. 'We are relieved that she reaffirmed her support of the amendment and spoke of her commitment for the intent and substantive content of amendment 260 to remain unaltered. 'We'd like to thank her for meeting with us and discussing the impact that this change will have. 'We hope that this change in law will provide not only us, but with other families in our position, with a measure of comfort and confidence that they can get the justice that we all so badly deserve.' It continued: 'With the next stage due on return from summer recess, we urge ministers to ensure that this legislation is enacted as soon as possible – we have already been under unimaginable strain and pressure for so many years leading up to this moment.' The SNP minister said: 'I am grateful to the families of Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser for meeting with me today. 'They have suffered heartbreaking losses, compounded by not knowing the final resting place of their loved ones. My deepest sympathies remain with them. 'In March, I supported an amendment to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill that will mean the Parole Board, when making decisions about release, must take account of whether a prisoner has information about the disposal of a victim's remains, but has not disclosed it. 'At today's meeting, I reiterated my firm commitment to this change, which will become law if the Bill is passed in Parliament.' 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'.


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I totally back Russell Martin's treatment on Rangers rule breakers – and here's why, says Graeme Souness
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GRAEME SOUNESS has backed Russell Martin's no-nonsense decision to axe skipper James Tavernier and Nico Raskin. Both players were benched for Rangers' crucial Champions League clash with Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox on Tuesday night. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 James Tavernier and Nico Raskin were left on the subs' bench by Russell Martin Credit: Willie Vass Martin made the bold call after slamming the self-preservation attitude and ego within his dressing room after the weekend 1-1 draw with Motherwell. And Ibrox legend Souey insists: 'When I was a manager I expected the senior players to be the standard bearers. 'They were the ones that had to set the standards within the dressing room. 'And that's how it should be. 'I'm a great believer that you don't have a successful football club unless you have good senior pros. 'And maybe he's expecting a bit more from some of the senior pros than he got at the weekend. 'And I don't see anything wrong with him digging them out and saying, 'Look, it ain't good enough,' and then taking it forward to the next game and leaving them out. 'I don't see anything wrong with that. It's all on his head. It's his decisions that'll make him successful or not. 'You'd have to say that he's put his foot down pretty quickly. 'And I don't see that as a bad thing. Rangers star John Souttar opens up on his future as he reveals new contract talks have stalled 'I think you're putting a marker down that 'I have my standards and you're going to have to come up to my standards to be a regular member or a starter in this team.' 'It's not about him dropping his standards to accommodate players. 'A manager has to be the boss, and I think it's never been more difficult for a manager today to do that job than certainly when I was working. 'I always felt Jock Stein was harder on Kenny Dalglish and me with the Scottish team. 'He didn't go after the younger guys and I think the message he was getting across to us was, 'I can pick on these and I can bully them.' 'He did that; I was frightened of him. Although I'm not sure Kenny was! But the message was, 'If I can do that to them, you make sure you're on it.'' Souness - who was at Ibrox for the 3-0 win over Czechs Pzlen - firmly believes his old club is set to be transformed by new owner Andrew Cavanagh and the 49ers enterprises shareholding. He added: 'I think the new guys have started well. The noises that have come out sound very professional and it's as if they know what they're doing. 'This is not a case of will they get it right. This is a case of when they get it right. 'This is not their first dip into soccer. 'And like in any new business, they will have made some mistakes down in England with Leeds United. 'And I expect them to hit the ground running to a certain point. From what I'm hearing from within the club and how it comes out publicly, I'm very much encouraged.' Souness sparked a Rangers revival in 1986 when he became Ibrox player-boss in a stunning appointment. Asked if the arrival of Cavenagh was just as significant, he added: 'Yes. 100 percent. 'As I said, these people understand soccer. Do they fully understand what Glasgow Rangers is about? 'I'm sure they have realised that this is a unique football club and a unique football experience. 2 'It's a very special football club. And working in the west of Scotland is quite unique, trust me! 'But people know what roles they've got within the organisation. 'And I think there's a clear path that's being led from the top. I think everyone now knows their job and they can get on with it.' 'This was always going to happen. There were always going to get people coming in that have the financial muscle and the know-how and an eagerness to understand how it works up here. 'I think it's a good thing having people coming in from outside and starting with a clean piece of paper and saying, 'right, we've done this before, what applies before will apply in Glasgow.' 'There'll be enormous similarities. There'll be a lot of stuff they can back into Rangers. 'And there'll be other things that they'll have to work out for themselves that are quite unique here.' Graeme Souness was promoting Premier Sports' coverage of Scottish football including over 80 matches from the Scottish Premiership, Premier Sports Cup, Scottish Cup and KDM Evolution Trophy. Fans can watch an entire season of football for only £99 using promo code PSCUP25. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page