A teenager died during his first holiday abroad with his girlfriend after jumping from the balcony of his hotel room in Benidorm, an inquest has been told.
Thomas Murphy, 18, had been visiting the popular Spanish resort with Annie Lowe, his partner of two years, when the incident occurred on August 19, 2024. Sheffield Coroners’ Court heard that Thomas, who was from Barnsley, fell from the balcony in the early hours of the morning.
Assistant coroner Marilyn Whittle said the fall appeared to be an impulsive act, and the evidence did not allow for any conclusion about whether he intended to harm himself.
Thomas and his girlfriend were on their first holiday abroad together
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The teenager, who worked in a bakery, was loved by everybody, his mum, Joanne, recalled.
“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,” she told the court.
“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.”
Fans of Thomas’ childhood football club, Barnsley FC, arranged for a minute’s applause in the 18th minute of the club’s match against Northampton Town as a tribute to him.
“Everyone at Barnsley FC would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to Thomas’ family and friends,” the club said in a statement.
