Ibiza Rocks Cancels Events Following Tragic Deaths of Two Tourists

In a somber turn of events, Ibiza Rocks has indefinitely canceled all scheduled events following the deaths of two British tourists, Gary Kelly and Evan Thomson, who died in separate incidents just weeks apart. The hotel, known for hosting popular music events, announced the cancellations in light of the recent tragedies that have left the local community and the hotel staff in shock.

Gary Kelly, a 19-year-old ice hockey player from Scotland, tragically fell to his death at the Ibiza Rocks hotel on July 22, 2025. His death occurred merely two weeks after 26-year-old Evan Thomson also fell from a balcony on July 7, 2025. Both incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety protocols in place at the hotel and the surrounding areas.

"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," read a statement from Ibiza Rocks management. They emphasized that the safety and well-being of their guests remain their highest priority.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed it is in contact with local authorities and is providing support to the families of the deceased. Both men were described as promising young individuals with bright futures ahead. Kelly was an ice hockey player for the Dundee Stars, who expressed their condolences stating, "Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken to hear this tragic news."

Tributes poured in from various hockey teams and communities. The Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Team described Kelly as “one of our brightest young stars,” highlighting the impact he had both on and off the ice. Similarly, the Whitley Warriors and Glasgow Clan also extended their condolences, emphasizing the loss to the ice hockey community and beyond.

Evan Thomson’s mother, Lel Kellighan, took to social media to share her heartbreak, stating, “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 requested privacy for the family as they coped with the devastating loss.

The two tragedies have ignited conversations about the safety of hotel balconies and the responsibility of hotel management in ensuring guest safety. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021, falls from height are among the leading causes of injury and fatalities in tourist destinations, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures and guest education.

As investigations by local authorities continue, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding both incidents. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports are being gathered to ascertain the factors that led to these unfortunate events. The hotel’s management has pledged full cooperation with the investigation to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.

The cancellation of events, including performances by renowned artists such as Dizzee Rascal and Rudimental, reflects the gravity of the situation. Ibiza Rocks has stated they will reassess their event schedule in due course, prioritizing the safety and well-being of their guests above all.

As the community mourns the loss of two promising lives, discussions on the broader implications of tourist safety in Ibiza and similar vacation destinations are becoming increasingly urgent. The tragic accidents serve as a reminder of the risks that can accompany leisure activities and the critical importance of maintaining safety standards in hospitality environments.

Moving forward, stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors are urged to implement comprehensive safety training and awareness programs for both staff and guests to prevent similar tragedies in the future.