A tourist who died after collapsing on a Magaluf street had become separated from a large group of fellow holidaymakers, it is believed.
Michael Grant, 45, was found unresponsive near the resort town's famous Punta Bellena strip at around 4.30am on Monday after becoming separated from other members of his group. The dad was staying at Sol Katmandu Park and Resort, a holiday hotspot geared towards families when he decided to go into town.
The physiotherapist from Waterford, Munster, Ireland, was staying with his wife Leanne, his four children and other Irish families at the hotel, and was drinking by the pool before venturing into town. A security guard saw the man collapse in the road and called local police, who were unable to revive Mr Grant, who was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Daily Mail reported that his body was not recovered from the street for several hours after police launched an investigation into the shock incident. Locals have told the publication his family and the group with whom he stayed have been left distraught by the dad's unexpected passing, with one hotel worker saying they were "crying all morning".
The worker added that he was "drinking by the pool all of the afternoon" before heading out, and a shopkeeper confirmed that he saw his body had been left out for several hours following the early-morning shock incident. He said police had still not cleared the area until at least 8am.
The shopkeeper said: "I was not here when the man died, it was about four o'clock in the morning. But when I came to work at about 8am his body was still lying on the ground. It was horrible." Irish local radio station WLR reported he was from Waterford earlier this afternoon, and his death was confirmed with a notice on rip.ie.
The physiotherapist was a pillar of Waterford's sporting circles, having worked with St Joseph’s Football Club and Mount Sion GAA Club, and acted as the physio for local hurling teams. In a statement shared with Waterford-news.ie, St Joseph's AFC said that they were "shocked" at the passing of the dad, who they said was the "dearest club member and head child coach".
The statement added: "Michael was an integral part of our community, and his absence will be profoundly felt. He was not just a coach but a mentor and a friend to all the children and adult members at St Joseph’s. More recently His dedication, passion, and love for the kids were evident in everything he did. He cherished every one of them, and I’m sure you will all agree that his impact was immeasurable."