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Ibiza Rocks cancels events following second British tourist death in two weeks
The notorious hotel and music venue says guest safety is its top priority after growing scrutiny over multiple tragedies at the site
Ibiza Rocks has suspended its summer events programme after the deaths of two British men at the venue in the space of two weeks. The San Antonio hotel and music venue confirmed the cancellations following the death of 19-year-old Gary Kelly on Monday July 21, just days after another guest, 26-year-old Evan Thomson, died in a separate incident.
Mr Kelly, who played ice hockey for the Scottish team Dundee Stars, died after falling from a balcony in the early hours of Monday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Spanish authorities have indicated that his death appears to have been accidental.
Ibiza Rocks issued a statement expressing its “deep shock and devastation” over the two incidents, and announced it would be pausing all upcoming events “given the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved”.
“All customers will be informed directly via email,” the hotel added. “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.”
The venue reiterated that “the safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority”.
Mr Kelly’s club, the Dundee Stars, paid tribute to him, calling him “a hugely talented and charismatic individual who had a great future ahead of him” and said the loss had devastated the team and wider ice hockey community.
Mr Thomson, from Aberdeen, died at Ibiza Rocks on July 7 while on holiday with friends. His mother described him as “a beautiful son, brother, and friend” in a tribute on social media, adding that the family was “absolutely broken” by his death.
Ibiza Rocks has said its senior management team cooperated fully with police following Mr Thomson’s death and that its customer services manager provided ongoing support to his friends in the aftermath.
The hotel has long been known for its vibrant pool parties and music residencies from stars such as Craig David, David Guetta and Rudimental. High-profile performances, including one from Dizzee Rascal, had been scheduled for this week, though organisers have now confirmed these will not go ahead.
This summer’s deaths are not the first at the venue. In 2008, 19-year-old British tourist Michael Robertson collapsed at the hotel after reportedly taking ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol. He died the following day in hospital.
Founded in 1998 as the Club Paraiso Mediterraneo, the hotel was rebranded as Ibiza Rocks in 2008 by new owners British couple Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle, known for their involvement in the iconic Manumission club nights.
It quickly gained a reputation as a party hotspot, but has also faced criticism from local residents over noise and unruly behaviour from guests.
Spanish police have opened investigations into both recent deaths.
Image: Google Maps
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