Young Scottish Hockey Star Gary Kelly Dies in Fall at Ibiza Rocks Hotel
Tributes have been paid to 19-year-old Gary Kelly, a talented and much-loved Scottish ice hockey player, who tragically died in the early hours of this morning after falling from the third floor of the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio.
Police in Spain confirmed they were called at 12.40am on Sunday 20 July, where Gary was found dead at the scene following a fall from a height. He is the third British tourist to die at the hotel this year.
Gary, from Dundee, was remembered by his family in a heartbroken statement:
“Our hearts are shattered beyond words. Our handsome boy has gone to the other side. Absolutely no words… You’ll forever be our boy Gary. Sleep tight.”
Scottish Ice Hockey Pays Tribute
Scottish Ice Hockey, the sport’s national body, expressed deep sadness at Gary’s death, describing him as a “dedicated and talented player” who proudly represented both club and country.
“He brought commitment, energy, and integrity to the sport both on and off the ice,” a statement read.
“At just 19 years old, Gary had already demonstrated remarkable potential and was widely respected throughout the Scottish ice hockey community.”
Gary played for both the Aberdeen Lynxes and Scotland’s national team, where he wore the number 12 jersey, which many are now commemorating in his memory.
Ibiza Rocks Suspends Events
The Ibiza Rocks Hotel, a well-known party venue famed for its DJ sets and youthful crowd, announced it was suspending all events out of respect following Gary’s death.
“We are deeply shocked by the recent incidents at the hotel. Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones,” the hotel wrote on social media.
Growing Scrutiny Over ‘Death Hotel’ Reputation
Gary’s death follows two other British tourist fatalities at the same hotel in 2025:
- On July 7, Evan Thomson, 26, from Aberdeen, died after falling from the hotel during a belated birthday celebration.
- On April 30, a 33-year-old British woman was found dead in her room. She had a heart condition and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Local Spanish media and residents have begun referring to the hotel as the “Death Hotel”, citing ongoing issues with drug use, balconing, noise, and safety concerns.
Investigation Ongoing
A spokesperson for Spanish police said:
“We are investigating the death of a 19-year-old British man at a hotel in San Antonio in Ibiza.
The fall is believed to have occurred from the third floor. Early footage suggests it may have been accidental, but witnesses will need to be located and interviewed.
The results of the post-mortem will also be important to the investigation.”
Gary Kelly’s death has sent shockwaves through both the sporting community and among young British holidaymakers visiting Ibiza this summer.
