Featured Image Credit: SWNS
Topics: Food and Drink, Health, News, Travel
Gregory Robinson
A man died while on holiday in the Canary Islands after falling ill with food poisoning.
Leslie Green, 70, was infected with salmonella while staying at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura to celebrate his milestone birthday. Sadly, during the second week of his family trip, he fell ill on 9 October 2024 with symptoms including diarrhoea, which lead to dehydration.
After falling ill, Mr Green was seen by the in-resort doctor on 12 October and taken by ambulance to the local clinic to be given fluids.
However, his condition did not improve, and grandfather-of-one from Little Lever, Bolton, Greater Manchester, was admitted to a Spanish hospital where he developed sepsis and kidney failure.
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He was placed into an induced coma, yet he continued to deteriorate, and doctors said they could do nothing further for him.
Mr Green, who had turned 70 in July 2024, died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on 4 November. His wife of 38 years, Julie Green, was also left seriously ill after she contracted salmonella on the day of her 60th birthday, leading to a week-long stay in hospital.
Mrs Green said she and her husband had only eaten at the buffet in the hotel during the holiday.
She said the couple had concerns that a carbonara sauce they ate one day was lukewarm. Mrs Green also said she found her chicken undercooked during another meal.
An inquest has now found that Mr Green died from food poisoning he contracted as a result of eating partially cooked chicken on holiday.
After the hearing, Julie said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and trying to come to terms with Leslie’s death.
“Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad. He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same.
“I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn’t come home.
"Leslie was the head of our family and someone everyone looked to for help and guidance.
"There’s now a gaping hole in our family that can never be filled.
“I’d do anything not to be in this position and for Leslie to be in our lives, but I know that’s not possible.
"Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honour Leslie’s memory.
“I just hope that by speaking out I can prevent anyone else suffering like Leslie did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
Jennifer Hodgson, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie, said: “Julie and the rest of her family remain devastated by Leslie’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.
“Understandably they’ve had a number of concerns about how Leslie contracted his infection.
"Sadly, the inquest has validated their concerns, hearing worrying evidence.
“What happened to Leslie vividly highlights the impact of salmonella and why it, and other gastric illnesses, should never be downplayed.
“While nothing can make up for the ordeal Julie and her family have been through, it’s now vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene for other holidaymakers in the future.
“We continue to support Julie at this distressing time.”
Tyla has approached The Occidental Jandia Playa for comment.