Inquest confirms British tourist's Tenerife balcony fall was a tragic accident
Tributes continue for Liverpool swimming instructor Harrison Hanley after holiday death in Playa de las Américas
An inquest has confirmed that a 20-year-old British tourist who died after falling at a Tenerife apartment complex suffered a tragic accidental death while on holiday with friends.Harrison Hanley, from Liverpool, died on Friday April 25 after falling from an internal balcony at the Parque Santiago 2 apartments in Playa de las Américas. He had been staying at the complex on Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina when the incident happened. The young Brit’s death in Tenerife was first reported shortly after the tragedy occurred.
A hearing at Liverpool’s Gerard Majella Courthouse was told that Harrison suffered fatal injuries after the fall and died instantly. Senior coroner André Rebello concluded there was “no evidence that this was anything but a tragic accident.”
The Spanish death certificate stated that the cause of death was traumatic shock caused by the fall.
The case has prompted an outpouring of grief in Harrison’s home city, where he was widely known as a popular swimming instructor and described by friends and former teachers as someone who brought energy and warmth wherever he went.
St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School paid tribute to its former pupil, saying: “Harrison had an infectious personality that lit up every room he walked into. He loved a challenge, he loved to laugh, and he had a smile that made others smile too.”
The school added that he “showed kindness so naturally” and said the memories people held of him were “full of joy, admiration and gratitude.”
On Tuesday May 6, the school community gathered for a balloon release in his memory and also opened a book of condolences for family and friends.
St Hilda’s High School, where Harrison later studied, remembered him as “everyone’s favourite cheeky chappy” and said he was “an incredible sportsman, but an even better human being.”
Friends and parents of children he taught swimming lessons to also shared heartfelt messages online. One tribute described him as “brilliant with all the kids and an absolute pleasure to have known”.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign organised by family friend Jack Parry has raised more than £43,000 to help support Harrison’s loved ones with costs following the tragedy.
The fundraising page described him as “the biggest personality in any room” and someone who had “the gift of lighting up a space.”
Another message shared by a friend read: “Please take the time to read his story and donate, if possible, to help bring him home and give him the send-off he so greatly deserves.”
The tragedy has deeply affected Harrison’s local community, with many remembering him simply as a young man who loved life, sport and bringing people together.
Image: GoFundMe
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