6 days ago
Fundraiser for Scottish ice hockey star who fell to death at Ibiza Rocks hits £30,000
A fundraiser to support the family of a Scottish teenager who died after plunging from the third floor at Ibiza Rocks Hotel has now reached over £30,000.
Gary Kelly, 19, from Dundee, died instantly in the fall at the four-star hotel on the party island during the early hours of Monday, July 21. Two ambulances were sent to the scene but paramedics said there was nothing they could do to save him, reports The Record.
Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, died at the hotel under similar circumstances while on holiday celebrating his 26th birthday just two weeks ago. Gary's family have been left heartbroken by the events and a fundraiser was set up to support his loved ones.
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Over £30,000 has now been raised and it's understood the cash will soon be transferred over to the family to help with funeral payments and other costs.
A statement on the GoFundMe reads: "We are all feeling the loss of young Gary Kelly. And I know you can't put a price on life. But hopefully we can help the family through this as a nicer young man and family you would struggle to find."
Tributes flooded in from Gary as the news broke of his untimely death earlier this week.
Writing online, his sister Kharis Kelly said: "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."
His girlfriend Louise Essery published a tribute to Gary, who she described as inspirational across every area of his life.
She said: "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."
Gary, who played ice hockey for both Dundee Stars and Aberdeen Lynx last season, was remembered as a 'hugely talented and charismatic individual'.
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Meanwhile Ibiza Rocks have resumed their schedule just days after Gary plunged to his death.
Following the deaths of Gary and Evan, who both fell from balconies at the hotel, bosses announced they would be suspending all events.
It was previously reported the hotel were still selling party tickets despite saying they were pausing future events.
And bosses then confirmed their investigations had concluded - with their schedule resuming on Saturday.
Dizzee Rascal was scheduled to play at the hotel on Wednesday as part of the venue's '20th birthday celebrations' but that was postponed. However, Rudimental are still set to perform on July 30 for the
Following Evan's death his loved ones raised questions about the hotel safety, slamming how the party destination handled the situation.
Friend Blair Robertson said they tried hard to 'get things back to normal' following the death.
He added: 'Security took us away to front desk. Paramedics didn't arrive for about 30 minutes. Forensic officers didn't speak English. We were just standing there, not knowing what was going on. Reception gave us false hope.
"We heard the jet washes cleaning the ground where Evan died. That was the worst thing for us."
The fundraiser to help support Gary's family is still open. To donate, click here.
