Spain

Ibiza Hotel Cancels Events After Two British Deaths

Published JUL 22 2025

Story

Above: Ibiza Rocks on October 13, 2011, in Ibiza, Spain. Image credit: Victor Spinelli/Getty Images

The Facts

Ibiza Rocks Hotel has suspended all music events following the deaths of two British men within two weeks, with 19-year-old ice hockey player Gary Kelly dying on Monday after falling from a third-floor balcony and 26-year-old Evan Thomson dying on July 7 in a similar incident.
The Sun
ITV News
Spanish authorities stated that Kelly was pronounced dead upon arrival after paramedics were dispatched to the scene at 12:40 a.m. but were unable to revive him, with officials authorizing body removal at 2:40 a.m.
Daily Mail
The Mirror
In a statement on Instagram, the hotel said it was "deeply shocked and devastated" by the incidents. Ibiza Rocks also reaffirmed its commitment to customer safety before confirming that all events are paused, "given the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved."
Instagram
Among the events cancelled were performances by rapper Dizzee Rascal and drum and bass band Rudimental, with Ibiza Rocks stating it would directly contact affected customers via email without specifying how long the suspension would last or how many events would be impacted.
BBC News
ITV News
Instagram
The recent incidents follow the deaths of two further tourists at the hotel earlier this year, including a 33-year-old British woman who died from a cardiac arrest on April 30 and a 19-year-old Italian tourist who fell from the fourth floor on April 27 while trying to reach her room without a keycard.
Express.co.uk
Daily Mirror

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

The venue's initial response was sadly tone deaf and profit-driven, with staff cleaning blood within 90 minutes and promoting events hours after Thomson's death. This pattern of prioritizing business over human dignity reveals a disturbing corporate culture that treats guest deaths as mere inconveniences.

The Sun

Narrative B

The hotel's decision to suspend events rightfully shows appropriate respect for the victims and their families during this tragic time. Customers should rest assured that management is fully cooperating with authorities in their investigations and that guest safety remains Ibiza Rocks' highest priority.