A popular teenager described as "loved by everybody" has tragically died after falling from the balcony of his hotel room during his first ever holiday abroad with his girlfriend, a coroner's court has heard.
Details of the Tragic Incident in Benidorm
Eighteen-year-old Thomas Murphy, from Barnsley, was staying in the Spanish resort of Benidorm with his girlfriend Annie when the incident occurred in the early hours of August 19, 2024. The Sheffield Coroners' Court was told that Thomas suffered polytraumatic shock as a result of the fall from the Hotel Bali on Actor Luis Prendes Street.
Coroner's Findings and Family Tributes
Assistant coroner Marilyn Whittle told the hearing that it was impossible to determine whether Thomas had intended to harm himself, describing the act as impulsive. "It cannot be ascertained if he had the intention of ending his life, as it was an impulsive act," she stated during the proceedings.
Thomas's mother, Joanne, paid emotional tribute to her son, recalling how he was due to return home the following day. "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," she told the court. "There were no signs that anything like this was going to happen."
She described her son as an amazing and caring person who genuinely loved his life, adding that his former headmaster at Birkwood Primary School had visited their home because of how popular Thomas was within the community.
Community Response and Football Tribute
The bakery worker's tragic death prompted an outpouring of support from his local community and football club. Fans of Barnsley FC, Thomas's childhood club, arranged for a minute's applause in the 18th minute of the team's match against Northampton Town as a special tribute to the teenager.
In an official statement, Barnsley FC expressed their condolences, saying: "Everyone at Barnsley FC would like to offer their heartfelt condolences to Thomas's family and friends." The gesture highlighted the deep impact Thomas had made on those around him and the widespread grief following his untimely death during what should have been a joyful first overseas holiday experience.
