Police investigating the death of Michael Grant are now also investigating a street vendor who is believed to have been in an altercation with the Irish tourist before he collapsed in a street in Magaluf.
Investigators initially thought the father of four may have been hit by a car. They had injuries to his leg and knee, but that was soon confirmed after the autopsy.
But detectives now suspect that the injuries to his body, which are not life-threatening, were inflicted by a street vendor and his friends during a brawl on the asphalt late on Sunday night, the respected Mallorcan daily Ultima Hora reported last night.
Mr Grant was later found to have a cut on his back with shards of glass in it, and two bite marks on his shoulder.
The dramatic turnaround in the ongoing investigation came after Guardia Civil detectives failed to find any traces of a traffic incident involving the dead man on CCTV after an “exhaustive search”.
Unless there is evidence to the contrary, the Guardia Civil has decided to no longer believe he was run over.
This is the last photo of Irish tourist Michael Grant who collapsed and died on the street in Magaluf in the early hours of Monday morning
AFC Waterford paid tribute to their ‘dearest club member and child head coach’
Police were not available for comment last night and it is unclear how much evidence officers currently have to support this investigation.
However, informed sources claim that the death of 45-year-old Grant is not being treated as murder.
Autopsy results showed he had used cocaine and alcohol before his death. This is believed to be related to his breakdown and sudden death, rather than a fight that preceded it.
Further tests on tissue samples are currently taking place in a specialized laboratory in Barcelona.
In addition to knee and leg injuries, Waterford physiotherapist Grant also suffered scratches and bite marks to his body and a cut to his back with glass still embedded in it.
Saliva samples were taken from the two bite wounds, one on his shoulder and one on his chest, to determine who was responsible.
Mr Grant, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children and other families from Ireland, collapsed in Martin Ros Street, near Punta Ballena, at around 4.30am on Monday.
He reportedly took a wrong turn and became separated from other members of his group after spending the afternoon drinking by his hotel pool before going out partying.
They stayed at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort in Magaluf, which describes itself online as a popular hotel for families with young children.
A spokesman for the Guardia Civil said on Monday before the autopsy: “This death does not appear to be linked to a crime in any way, but the autopsy will be decisive in determining what happens next.”
A reliable source close to the investigation said yesterday: ‘The holidaymaker’s injuries were not life-threatening and this investigation is not a murder or manslaughter investigation at this stage, nor do we expect it to become one.
‘But we also look at the hours leading up to his death, because something happened that needs to be properly explained.
‘Everything points to this man being involved in a fight and being hit by a car. These are incidents that may not be related.
“There are still many unanswered questions that we need to find answers to.”
In a tribute to the deceased, St Joseph’s AFC Waterford Football Club, where Mr Grant was youth coach, said on Monday: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the sudden passing of our dearest club member and youth 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.’
The 45-year-old was found unconscious on the resort’s Martin Ros Street, near the bustling Punta Ballena strip, after the alarm was raised at around 4.30am on Monday morning. Pictured: Tourists are seen in Magaluf on Sunday evening
“Michael was an integral part of our community, and his absence will be deeply felt. He was not only a coach, but a mentor and a friend to all the children and adult members of St. Joseph’s.
‘More recently, his dedication, passion and love for the children were evident in everything he did. He cherished each and every one of them, and I am sure you will all agree that his impact was immeasurable.
‘We extend our sincere 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 an important part of their lives and his loss is very personal to all of us.”