Tragic father who collapsed and died in Magaluf had taken cocaine before he died, autopsy reveals, while officers say injuries to body from ‘hit-and-run’ car could not have killed him
The Irish tourist who fainted in a street in Magaluf on Monday had taken cocaine and drunk alcohol before his death.
The full results of the autopsy performed yesterday on 45-year-old father of four Michael Grant have not yet been made public.
But coroners found traces of the banned Class A drug and alcohol in his system.
They have not yet been able to determine whether they played a role in his death. Further tests are now expected, as sources in the Guardia Civil denied reports that a murder investigation had been launched.
An initial post-mortem examination found the Waterford father-of-four with leg injuries consistent with a car collision, as well as mysterious bite marks on his arm and shoulder.
The physiotherapist also suffered a deep wound with glass in it after he was found unconscious at around 4.30am on Monday near the resort’s notorious Punta Bellena promenade, which is home to many bars, nightclubs and lap dancing venues.
Michael Grant (pictured), 45, tragically collapsed and died in the middle of a street in Magaluf in the early hours of Monday morning
Mr Grant, a physiotherapist from Waterford, was found unconscious at around 4.30am near Magaluf’s notorious Punta Bellena strip, which is packed with nightclubs, nightclubs and lap dancing venues. Pictured: Locals look on as police work at the scene today
The Waterford father-of-four (left) was found with leg injuries consistent with being hit by a car, as well as mysterious bite marks on his arm and shoulder, an initial examination ahead of the autopsy revealed.
Coroners have found no evidence to suggest the 45-year-old’s death was related to injuries believed to have been inflicted by a car, but police are still investigating the events leading up to the tragedy.
Investigators are now awaiting the results of a full autopsy, due to take place later today, to see if it confirms initial suspicions that the holidaymaker suffered a heart attack after a day of partying, or whether his shocking death is linked to something far more serious.
According to local reports, saliva samples have been taken from the two bite wounds, one on his shoulder and one on his chest, to determine who was responsible and whether the bite wounds were inflicted during an attack.
Detectives are still analyzing CCTV footage from the area where the holidaymaker was found dead, looking for clues.
Mr Grant, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children and other families from Ireland, was staying at the Sol Katmandu Park and Resort before he tragically died.
Mr Grant was a popular family man from Ireland who got lost after a night out, it has emerged. Pictured: A view of the road where the man was found on Monday
A strip of paper from what appears to be the instructions for a defibrillator can be seen on the street where Mr Grant was found unconscious
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.
A source close to the ongoing investigation said: ‘The initial suspicion was that this man’s death was related to what he had eaten before his death.
But an earlier examination of his body, prior to the full autopsy, yielded some surprises and gave investigators cause for concern.
‘The injuries to Mr Grant’s leg indicate he was run over by a car.
‘At first glance they do not appear life-threatening, but they have opened up the possibility that his death was not an accident.
‘The researchers do not yet know whether the bite wounds are related.’
The source added that Grant’s friends and loved ones, including his wife, will be interviewed as part of the investigation to “gain a detailed picture of the final hours of his life”.
The group the dead man was part of were staying at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort in Magaluf. The hotel describes itself online as a popular hotel for families with young children.
A security guard working on the main street alerted local police yesterday, telling officers he saw the man collapse and fall to the ground.
Attempts to resuscitate him at the scene failed and he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
The dead man was identified by the hotel wristband he was wearing, as well as the names of his wife and children tattooed on his back.
A spokesman for Calvia council, which is responsible for the Magaluf area, had said earlier in the day that the dead man was British, but it was later confirmed that he was travelling on an Irish passport.
The group stayed at the Sol Katmandu Park and Resort (pictured), which is popular with families with young children
Grant was found unconscious near the resort’s notorious Punta Bellena strip, which is packed with bars, nightclubs and lap dancing venues
A statement yesterday said: ‘A 45-year-old man died this morning on the street in the Magaluf area.
‘It happened around 4:30 a.m. The dead man was staying in a hotel nearby.’
He added: ‘A worker at a local establishment alerted police and said a man was unwell and tripping in the street.
‘Local police arrived and performed CPR, but were unable to revive him. The Guardia Civil has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of death.’
A source in the Guardia Civil said early yesterday morning: “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 hotel employee added: “Mr Grant’s family and friends cried all morning” after hearing the news of his unexpected death.
Holidaymakers told of their shock at Mr Grant’s sudden death.
Friends Brenda and Shirley from Wolverhampton described his death as a tragedy.
Brenda, 65, told MailOnline: ‘It’s terrible that he just dropped dead in the street. Forty-five is not old, how could this happen?’
Shirley adds: ‘People do drink on holiday, but you don’t expect something like this.’
Mr Grant was head coach of the youth academy at St. Joseph’s AFC Waterford football club.
Mr Grant was on holiday in Magaluf with his wife Leanne and their four children and other families from Ireland when the tragedy occurred. Pictured: The road where he was found
A statement on the Facebook page said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden passing of our dearest club member and head 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 come to terms with this devastating loss.
“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 at 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.
“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 this challenging time.
‘Michael, sleep well my dear friend. You will be missed forever, but your legacy and the love you shared will never be forgotten and will live on forever in our club.’
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the matter and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular matters, the Department does not comment on the details of a specific case.”