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Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

NI dad, 53, dies following pool accident in Majorca

A Northern Ireland man has died in a tragic weekend accident in a hotel pool in Majorca.

The man is reported to have passed away after drowning in a pool at the four star Globales Palmanova hotel in the Majorcan resort of Palmanova.

He has been named locally as David Hanna, 53, from Bessbrook.

Read more: Northern Ireland mum's tribute to son who died in swimming pool incident on holiday

It has been reported the alert was raised by fellow holidaymakers at around 4.30pm on Sunday afternoon and he was pulled from the water by lifeguards. They battled to revive him and were joined by local police in a bid to resuscitate him using CPR.

Emergency response medics rushed to the scene and also joined the fight to save Mr Hanna's life, according to local newspaper, Ultima Hora. An investigation into the circumstances of his death is set to be conducted by Guardia Civil officers with the findings put before a judge.

Globales Palmanova is a popular family hotel just a short walk from the famous party hotspot Magaluf. Facilities at the hotel include swimming pools for both adults and children, a large garden, children's playground and entertainment venues.

Palma Nova is an all-year round favourite with UK holidaymakers and also a popular location for ex-pat residents. It has three safe, sandy beaches and neighbouring resorts of Puerto Portals and Santa Ponsa are easily accessible.

Originally from the Bessbrook area, Mr Hanna and his family had moved to Rathfriland a number of years ago. His sudden passing comes just a few months after that of his father, Billy, who died in February this year.

In an emotional social media post, one of his daughters, Rachel, wrote: “My heart is in a million pieces and I can’t believe I’m writing this post. Yesterday on the first day of my dad's well deserved holiday in Majorca, he passed away due to a tragic accident.

“Sophie, Jake & I’s hearts are completely broken. We couldn’t have asked for a better dad and best friend rolled into one. Anyone who knew my dad knows how amazing he truly was and he will be missed by so many.

“My heart hurts so much and I still can’t believe this has happened it doesn’t feel real.

“We love you so much Dad, forever and always - Rest In Peace - our angel."

Many friends and colleagues took to social media to offer their condolences following his tragic passing and pay tribute to “an amazing man” and “a kind caring and fun person who touched so many lives”.

One wrote: "A very good friend and workmate, who will be sadly missed by all his friends in Banbridge Academy. Thoughts and prayers to the Hanna Family at this sad time."

Another added: "My sincere condolences to his sister Cheryl, his wee mummy and his children. Absolutely heartbreaking to go on a well deserved holiday and not come home to your family."

Carla Lockhart, DUP MP for Upper Bann also offered her condolences saying: “Devastating news for the Hanna family on the tragic passing of David. My thoughts and prayers are very much with the family and friends of David. What a difficult time for them all as they come to terms with this untimely and difficult death.”

Mr Hanna worked as a caretaker at Banbridge Academy.

Banbridge DUP Cllr Ian Wilson said: "I wish to pass on my sympathies to the Hanna family at this time on the tragic loss of David. In these circumstances you go on ho liday to relax and enjoy yourself and you just don't expect something tragic like this to happen."

Mr Hanna's death is the latest in a string of tragedies involving people from Northern Ireland and the Republic that have occurred abroad in recent weeks.

Just last month, six-year-old Corey Aughey from North Belfast, passed away in hospital days after his family had arrived in the Majorcan resort of Sa Coma for a break.

Freddie Joseph Briggs, who was just 19-months old and from the west of the city, was pulled from the water at a private pool near Benidorm in late May.

Elsewhere, Tyrone GAA hurling captain Damian Casey, 29, died suddenly whilst in Spain for a friend's wedding on June 17.

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