Irish father that died in Magaluf street had taken cocaine and drunk alcohol before his death

The Irish tourist who collapsed in a Magaluf street early yesterday morning had taken cocaine and drunk alcohol before his death.

The full results of the autopsy practiced today on father-of-four Michael Grant, 45, have not yet been made public.

But medical examiners found traces of the banned Class-A drug as well as alcohol in his system.

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They have not yet been able to determine whether they played a part in his death and further tests are now expected to take place.

The revelation came as Civil Guard sources refuted reports a murder investigation had been launched, but confirmed they were still hunting a ‘hit-and-run’ driver they believed had injured Mr Grant shortly before he was found dead near Magaluf’s Punta Ballena party strip.

The physiotherapist from Waterford had leg and knee injuries consistent with having been hit by a car and a deep wound with glass inside on his back.

But he also had bite marks on his arm and shoulder and other scratch wounds thought to have been unrelated to the unsolved traffic incident which investigators believe could have been sustained in a prior altercation.

Detectives have spent the last couple of days checking through CCTV footage on cameras in the area for any clues.

One well-placed source said: “The injuries the holidaymaker had were not life-threatening and this investigation is neither a murder or homicide probe at this stage, nor do we expect it to become one.

“But we are looking into the hours leading up to his death because something has happened that needs to be properly explained. Everything is pointing to this man being involved in some sort of altercation and being hit by a car in incidents that may or may not be unrelated.

“There are still a lot of unanswered questions we need to try to get to the bottom of.”

Mr Grant, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children and other families from Ireland, collapsed close to Punta Ballena around 4.30am yesterday.

He had reportedly taken a wrong turn and become separated from other members of his group after spending the afternoon drinking by his hotel pool before going out partying.

Police sources said yesterday the dead man’s friends and loved ones would be questioned as part of their investigation to see if they could shed any light on what had happened.

The group the dead man was part of were staying at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort in Magaluf which describes itself online as a popular hotel for families with young children.

Reports yesterday said Mr Grant was believed to have got separated from other members of his group and become disoriented after going out drinking in town following the boozy afternoon by his hotel pool.

A security guard alerted local police, telling officers he had seen the man collapse and fall to the ground.

Attempts to revive him at the scene proved unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The dead man was identified by the hotel wristband he was wearing but also by the tattooed names of his wife and children on his back.

A spokesman for Calvia Council, which is responsible for the Magaluf area, said initially the dead man was British before it was confirmed he was travelling on an Irish passport.

It said in a statement on Monday: “A 45-year-old man died in the street this morning in the Magaluf area. It occurred around 4.30am. The dead man was staying in a hotel in the area."

He added: “An employee of a local establishment alerted police, saying that a man was unwell and was stumbling around in the street. Local police arrived and performed CPR but were unable to revive him. The Civil Guard has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of death.”

A Civil Guard spokesman said early yesterday morning in the force’s only official comment so far : “This death does not appear to be crime-related in any way but the autopsy will be key to determining what happens next.”

Mr Grant was a head child coach at St Joseph’s AFC Waterford football club.

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It said in a tribute statement released on its Facebook page: “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden shock passing of our dearest club member and head child coach, Michael Grant.

"As many of you know, Michael was more than just a coach to us - he was a beloved friend and as a club and for his family we need time to process this devastating loss.

“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.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family: his wife Leanne, their children Kayleigh, Niamh, Shay and Sophia , his parents Sam and Marie, his brothers, sisters and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.

“We also want to acknowledge the grief and shock that our own children and members are experiencing. Michael was a significant part of their lives, and his loss is deeply personal to each of us.

“In the coming days, we will share more information regarding any plans to honor Michael’s memory. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this challenging period.

“Michael, sleep well, dear friend. You will be missed forever, but your legacy and the love you shared will never be forgotten and will always live on in our club.”

Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case.”

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