The iconic Ibiza Rocks Hotel, known for hosting some of the island’s most electric live music events, has suspended its schedule following the deaths of two young British men in the span of just two weeks.
Two Tragic Losses: Gary Kelly and Evan Thomson
On Monday, July 21, 19-year-old Gary Kelly, a professional ice hockey player for the Dundee Stars, died while staying at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel. His club and the broader UK ice hockey community are mourning what they describe as the loss of a “hugely talented and charismatic individual.”
His passing follows the tragic death of Evan Thomson, a 26-year-old Scottish tourist who fell to his death on July 7 at the same venue. Both incidents occurred on hotel premises, prompting urgent calls for safety reassessment.
Thomson’s mother, in a moving social media tribute, wrote:
“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. We are all absolutely broken.”
Ibiza Rocks Halts Music Events “Out of Respect”
Ibiza Rocks, which also operates as a renowned open-air music venue, announced a temporary pause on its event programming, stating:
“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… The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority.”
As a result, several high-profile performances have been cancelled or postponed, including sets from Dizzee Rascal, who was scheduled to perform this week, and Rudimental, expected on 30 July. The hotel has not yet confirmed how many shows in total are affected.
An Outpouring of Grief Across the UK Ice Hockey Community
Tributes to Gary Kelly have poured in from across the UK’s ice hockey scene. The Dundee Stars shared an emotional statement:
“His loss will impact many in the ice hockey community and beyond. He will be sadly missed.”
Other clubs echoed the sentiment. The Glasgow Clan called it “truly heartbreaking,” while the Whitley Warriors, where Kelly briefly played, noted he was “a popular player in the dressing room” despite his short stint.
British Authorities Offer Support
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed:
“We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, and both hotel staff and Spanish officials are cooperating fully.
Ibiza Nightlife Under Scrutiny
While Ibiza is famous for its vibrant party culture, the back-to-back deaths have raised urgent questions around safety standards at party-focused hotels and music venues. Critics and concerned travelers are calling for more stringent security measures, better oversight of guest behavior, and enhanced mental health and support resources for tourists.
As the high season continues, this incident may mark a turning point in how Ibiza balances its hedonistic appeal with duty of care.
