The Ibiza Rocks hotel and party hotspot in Ibiza has cancelled upcoming events following the deaths of two British tourists at its premises in the past month.
Ice hockey star Gary Kelly, 19, took a fatal fall from the four-star hotel’s third floor on Monday, whilst Evan Thomson, 26, died on July 7.
In the last three months, two other tourists died at the venue; a 33-year old British woman with a pre-existing heart condition on April 30 and a 19-year old Italian tourist who fell from the fourth floor of the balcony on April 27.
In a social media post, the Ibiza hotel said it was “shocked and devastated by the recent incidents”, adding its priority was to “support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The post continued: “Given the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved, we believe it is right to pause our advertised events programme at this time.”
It is not clear which events will not go ahead, though according to the hotel’s events planner, Dizzee Rascal was due to play this week and the drum’n’bass band Rudimental were expected to appear on 30 July. The hotel did not specify how many events were cancelled.
The hotel has been criticised by the friends and family of Evan Thomson, who claim the hotel resumed “business as usual” after Thomson’s death.
Friend Blair Robertson, 25, told Press and Journal, “We heard the jet washes from the ground cleaning the area where Evan died and it had only been 90 minutes or so since he was found.
“That was the worst thing for us to hear – how fast they tried to get things back to normal.
“They took us out of the hotel at around 9am and put us in a new hotel down the road. It was like they wanted to get back to business as usual as soon as possible.
“It was just a very traumatic experience. They just wanted us out – and to start the party again. It was a disregard of life.”
Another friend, James Shan, alleged that the hotel posted promotional content on social media within hours of Thomson’s death.
The Standard has contacted the hotel for a statement surrounding these claims.
Ibiza Rocks Hotel said in a statement after Mr Thomson’s death: “This is a truly tragic and extremely sad situation.
'Our senior management team onsite did everything possible to help the police with their investigation into events leading up to Evans' death, and to provide constant support from our customer services managed to Evan's friends.
'That has included them having 24-hour access to our senior manager for any help or questions and giving them permission to pass on her mobile number to Evan's family should they wish to call us direct.
'They were very appreciative of all the help and support at such a difficult time.
'We are deeply saddened by Evan's death and our thoughts continue to be with his family and friends at this truly difficult time.”
In the most recent tragedy, investigations are still ongoing regarding the death of ice hockey star Gary Kelly.
Tributes have been shared by ice hockey teams Aberdeen Lynx and Dundee Stars. Kelly’s girlfriend Louise Essery also shared a tribute on Instagram, where she wrote: “His passion and dedication was inspiring, whether in hockey, work, or with loved ones
“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.”
