Beloved Shopkeeper Dies in Tragic Balcony Collapse on Canary Islands Holiday

On October 25, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the Canary Islands that claimed the life of a 56-year-old father-of-two from Wales. Darren Silcox, a respected shopkeeper from Cwmbran, Gwent, was on holiday in the Costa Tequise resort in Lanzarote when a railing on his hotel balcony reportedly "collapsed," leading to a 20ft plunge.

Silcox was standing with another British holidaymaker, a 54-year-old man, when the accident happened in the early hours of the morning. Silcox tragically died from his injuries, while the other man was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.

The incident has deeply affected the local community, where Silcox was known as a hardworking and popular business owner. He ran two stores in the town, and his customers were shocked by the tragic news. Silcox's wife had passed away the previous year after an illness, leaving their two sons without parents.

Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, focusing on whether inadequate upkeep or safety measures played a role in the deadly accident. An inquest is also due to be opened in Newport by the Gwent coroner.