Thousands raised for family of Dundee ice hockey star who died at Ibiza hotel

Over £8,000 has been raised for the family of a Dundee ice hockey player who died at a hotel in Ibiza.

Gary Kelly died while on holiday at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio in the early hours of Monday morning after reportedly falling from the third floor.

Tributes poured out for the 19-year-old, with his team, Aberdeen Lynx, describing him as one of their “brightest young stars” while his girlfriend, Louise Essery, said he had been “inspiring”.

A fundraiser was launched on behalf of the family on Tuesday, which read: “We are all feeling the loss of young Gary Kelly.

“And I know you can’t put a price on life, but hopefully we can help the family through this as a nicer young man and family you would struggle to find.”

The GoFundMe has so far raised £8,234. You can donate to the cause here.

“I never thought I would be sat here writing a goodbye,” Gary’s girlfriend, Louise Essery, wrote in a post on Facebook.

“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.

“Everything feels heavy, and words can’t express the love I have for Gary. I wish you could see how much you are loved. Even though our experiences together have paused, the memories we made will stay with me forever. I miss you so much already.

“Thank you for the kind messages about Gary; they mean a lot.

“I love you forever and always, Gary Kelly.”

The teenager died exactly two weeks after fellow Scot Evan Thomson, 26, who also fell from height at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel.

The hotel has suspended all events following the deaths “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.”