Ibiza Rocks Hotel, a renowned music venue and hotel in San Antonio, Ibiza, has suspended its upcoming events following two tragic deaths of British tourists at the site within a span of two weeks. The venue announced the cancellations on July 21, 2025, expressing deep shock and devastation over the incidents, and cited the seriousness of the situation and respect for those involved as reasons for pausing its scheduled events.
The first incident occurred on July 7, 2025, when 26-year-old Evan Thomson, a Scottish tourist from Aberdeen, fell to his death at the hotel. His mother, Lel Kellighan, shared her heartbreak on social media, describing the death as a tragic accident while he was on holiday with friends. "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," she wrote. "We are all absolutely broken."
Just two weeks later, on July 21, 2025, 19-year-old Gary Kelly, a professional ice hockey player for the Dundee Stars, died after falling from a third-floor balcony at Ibiza Rocks. The Spanish civil guard reported that Kelly's death appeared accidental and occurred in the early hours of the morning. Despite the arrival of two ambulances, Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene. The Dundee Stars paid tribute to Kelly, describing him as a "hugely talented and charismatic individual who had a great future ahead of him." The club expressed profound sorrow, stating, "Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken to hear this tragic news. His loss will impact many in the ice hockey community and beyond. He will be sadly missed." Other ice hockey teams, including the Glasgow Clan and Whitley Warriors, also offered condolences, highlighting the widespread impact of Kelly's death.
Ibiza Rocks, which is marking its 20th anniversary this summer, is known for its open-air venue with a 2,500-person capacity and has hosted prominent artists such as Stormzy, Craig David, Dua Lipa, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim, and Jax Jones. The venue had planned a series of high-profile events to celebrate the milestone, including performances by rapper Dizzee Rascal and drum'n'bass band Rudimental scheduled for July 23 and July 30, respectively. However, following the recent tragedies, these events and others have been put on hold. The venue confirmed it would contact customers directly via email regarding any cancellations.
In an official statement, Ibiza Rocks said, "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 during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations. The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority." The statement emphasized the venue's commitment to working closely with local authorities to investigate the causes of the incidents.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that it is supporting the family of the British man who died in Spain and is in contact with local authorities. This official support underscores the gravity of the situation and the cross-border cooperation involved in addressing such tragedies.
Ibiza Rocks' decision to pause its event calendar comes amid growing concerns over safety at the venue. Reports indicate that in total, four people have died from balcony falls at Ibiza Rocks this year alone, raising questions about safety measures at the popular tourist destination. While details surrounding each incident remain limited, the pattern of accidents has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the venue's reputation and prompted serious reflection.
Ibiza Rocks was launched by Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle of Manumission and has long been a staple of Ibiza's vibrant music scene, known for its pool parties, festivals, and artist residencies. The venue's unique combination of hotel accommodation and live music events has attracted thousands of visitors each year, making it a key player in the island's tourism and nightlife economy.
The cancellation of upcoming shows, including those featuring Dizzee Rascal and Rudimental, marks a significant disruption to the venue’s summer schedule and anniversary celebrations. While the exact number of cancelled events has not been disclosed, the venue has assured customers that they will be informed directly about any changes.
These incidents have sparked a wave of mourning and reflection not only among the families and friends of the deceased but also within the wider music and sports communities. The loss of two young British men in such tragic circumstances has highlighted the potential risks associated with nightlife tourism and the importance of stringent safety protocols in venues that combine accommodation with entertainment.
As Ibiza Rocks navigates this difficult period, the emphasis remains on supporting those affected and ensuring the safety of all guests. The venue’s commitment to cooperating fully with authorities and prioritizing wellbeing is a crucial step in addressing the aftermath of these events.
While Ibiza continues to be a global hotspot for music lovers and holidaymakers alike, the recent tragedies at Ibiza Rocks serve as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and care in high-traffic entertainment venues. The community awaits further updates as investigations proceed and hopes for meaningful measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
