Shirt number retired in tribute to ice hockey star who died in Ibiza fall

A Dundee Ice Hockey team has retired the shirt number previously belonging to a player who died in Ibiza to honour his memory.

Gary Kelly has been described as a promising young ice hockey player following his death at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel on Monday.

The 19-year-old reportedly fell from the third floor of the hotel while on holiday.

Gary started his career with the Dundee Stars as a junior and donned the number 45 on two occasions, including when making his special Elite League debut.

In tribute to their former teammate, the team said his shirt number will now be retired.

“As a mark of respect, Dominick Jaglar has opted to change his number for the upcoming season from 45 to 72.

“45 was the number Gary Kelly wore on TWO occasions, making his Elite league debut for his hometown team the Dundee Stars in 2024-25”, the team said on social media.

The teenager left Dundee Stars to join the Aberdeen Lynx for the 2022/23 season and had a brief stint with the Dundee Rockets before returning to Lynx.

The Lynx club described him as one of their “brightest young stars” while his girlfriend, Louise Essery, said he had been “inspiring”.

She added: “I never thought I would be sat here writing a goodbye.

“For those who knew Gary, oh you were so lucky. His passion and dedication was inspiring, whether in hockey, work, or with loved ones. I’m struggling to understand how you are no longer with me.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet. 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.”

The teenager’s mum, Kharis Kelly, said: “Our hearts are shattered beyond words.

“Our handsome boy has gone to the other side, Absolutely no words.”

Gary is the second Scot to die at the same hotel in two weeks.

Evan Thomson, 26, from Aberdeen, died at the same hotel after also falling from a height while celebrating his 26th birthday.

Ibiza Rocks has suspended all events due to take place “out of respect for those involved” and says it will fully assist authorities.

A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil on the island added: “For now, it appears to have been an accident. As always, an investigation is underway, and we’re awaiting an autopsy to determine the cause of death with certainty.”