Thomas Murphy, 18, from Barnsley, was on holiday for the first time with his girlfriend of two years, Annie Lowe, when he jumped off the balcony of his hotel room and tragically died
A teenager sadly died on his first holiday abroad after jumping off his hotel room balcony.
Thomas Murphy, 18, from Barnsley, was on holiday with his girlfriend of two years, Annie Lowe, when the tragedy occured. An inquest at Sheffield Coroners’ Court this month found that Thomas had jumped off the balcony on August 19, 2024, and suffered severe, simultaneous injuries to multiple parts of his body.
Assistant coroner Marilyn Whittle said: “On August 19, 2024, Thomas James Murphy jumped off a balcony at Hotel Bali, 4 Actor Luis Prendes Street in Benidorm. He suffered polytraumatic shock due to the fall. It cannot be ascertained if he had the intention of ending his life, as it was an impulsive act.”
Thomas, who worked at a bakery, was described by his mum Joanne as “an amazing and caring person,” Yorkshire Live reports. The 59-year-old said: “My son went on his first ever holiday abroad with his girlfriend and he was due to come back on Monday – but he died on Sunday night. There were no signs that anything like this was going to happen.
“Absolutely everybody loved him. His former headmaster at Birkwood Primary School came to our house because of how popular he was. He was such an amazing and caring person – he really did love his life. I just can’t believe that he’s gone.”
After his tragic death, Barnsley FC fans conducted a minute’s applause in Thomas’ honour during the 18th minute of the club’s match against Northampton Town. A spokesperson for the club said: “Everyone at Barnsley FC would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to Thomas’ family and friends.”
