Tragic Death of Scottish Ice Hockey Player Gary Kelly in Ibiza

Gary Kelly, a 19-year-old ice hockey player from Dundee, Scotland, tragically died after falling from a balcony at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio on Monday, July 24, 2023. His death marks the second incident of this nature at the hotel in a month, following the death of 26-year-old Evan Thomson from Aberdeen earlier in July.

According to Spain's Civil Guard, Kelly's death has been ruled an accident. The hotel, known for its vibrant atmosphere and events, has paused all activities in light of the recent tragedies. A spokesperson stated, "The safety and wellbeing of our guests has always remained our highest priority," reflecting the gravity of the ongoing situation.

Tributes have poured in from the ice hockey community and beyond, highlighting Kelly's talent and character. The Dundee Stars, his former team, expressed their heartbreak, calling him a "hugely talented and charismatic" player. Similarly, the Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Team described him as one of their "brightest young stars," emphasizing not only his skills on the ice but also his infectious spirit off it.

In a heartfelt tribute, Kelly's sister, Paige, described him as "the life and soul of everything," while his girlfriend, Louise Essery, praised his passion and dedication in all aspects of his life. The statements convey the profound loss felt by those close to him and the impact he had on their lives.

Both Kelly's and Thomson's deaths have raised concerns regarding safety policies at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, prompting scrutiny from local authorities and the community. The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting the families of both deceased individuals while liaising with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

Kelly’s death is a stark reminder of the risks involved in celebratory environments, especially in a party capital like Ibiza. While the hotel has expressed its commitment to guest safety, incidents like these underline the need for more stringent safety measures in hospitality venues popular with young tourists.

The community of Dundee, along with the wider ice hockey fraternity, continues to mourn the loss of a young man whose life was cut short. As tributes continue to flow, questions linger about the future safety of tourists in similar environments, and the need for industry-wide reforms to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

In the wake of these events, there is a call for increased awareness and education regarding safety in nightlife and hospitality settings, particularly for young travelers. The tragic incidents have initiated a broader dialogue about the responsibility of establishments to ensure a safe environment for their guests. As investigations continue, the hope remains that lessons will be learned to prevent future accidents.