A MAN tragically died while on holiday in Benidorm after overdosing on drugs before getting on his flight, an inquest has found.
Paul Jones, 36, died in hospital after becoming “increasingly unresponsive” following his arrival in Spain.
Paul, from Rhondda, South Wales, was declared dead at Marina Baixa Hospital in Alicante on February 27.
Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard the 36-year-old “likely took an overdose of illicit substances” five days earlier, prior to boarding his flight.
And, after arriving in the Brit holiday hotspot, Paul’s condition continued to rapidly deteriorate.
Coroner Rachel Knight said: “Upon arrival he became increasingly unresponsive and was taken to hospital in Alicante.”
The court heard Paul had a past history of drug use, WalesOnline reports.
He died of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy – a serious injury caused by reduced oxygen to the brain.
Ms Knight ruled this occurred as a result of Mr Jones’ drug use and recorded a conclusion of drug-related death.
The inquest heard there was “no evidence” that Mr Jones intended to die.
A GoFundMe page set up by Paul’s close pal Daniel has since raised more than £2,000 for the “Rhondda Rocket”.
Daniel’s tribute reads: “The family as expected are breaking, all unexpected visiting his favourite place in the world Benidorm.
“He had a massive heart attack and couldn’t make it after that. 36 years old you don’t expect to loose a son, brother uncle or anyone of that.
“I’ve never met and I think every single person that knew him and spent any time what so ever with him knew anybody with a bigger heart than he had.
“He would give anyone his last!!! Let’s get him home from Benidorm where he lays rite now and take the stress of paying for his funeral off their shoulders please guys it’s the least we can do!!!
“Thanks a lot in advance guys. Every donation will be a massive help to his lovely family!!!”
An inquest last month ruled another Brit holidaymaker had suffered a drug-related death while in Benidorm.
Harvey Dominy tragically died in his hotel room just hours after arriving in the hotspot for his first lads holiday.
The youngster from Merthyr Tydfil, in South Wales, had travelled to the Spanish resort to experience the trip of a lifetime.
An inquest into Harvey’s death, held in Pontypridd, heard how he and his pals had bought cocaine and MDMA when they arrived.
Tragedy struck when they took the drugs on the evening of July 16, 2024, with authorities estimating Harvey died between 9pm and 10.30pm.
Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard toxicology reports showed he had alcohol, cocaine and MDMA in his system.
Coroner Kerrie Burge concluded it was “unlikely a swifter response from his friends would have saved him”.
She recorded a conclusion of drug related death.
