Tragic Loss of an 18-Year-Old British Tourist in Ibiza
An 18-year-old British tourist, Ryan Long, from Eastwood, Essex, lost his life after taking pills while on a first-ever lads holiday in Ibiza. His family has since issued a heartfelt warning to other young people about the dangers of drug use during holidays.
Ryan had been in good health when he arrived at the popular party island on Wednesday, July 2, and was enjoying time with four friends at the UNVRS nightclub. However, just a few hours later, he began feeling unwell and reported that something was wrong. It is believed that he had taken an ecstasy tablet. His friends noticed that he was acting strangely and decided to take him home in a taxi, thinking he would be able to sleep it off.
Upon returning to their accommodation, Ryan collapsed, became unconscious, and started foaming at the mouth. His friends immediately called for emergency services, and he was rushed to the hospital via air ambulance. His final words were the name of his brother, Aaron. Ryan fell into a coma that evening and passed away five days later in intensive care.
A Family's Heartbreaking Experience
Ryan’s parents, who were by his side when he died, have now urged other young people to avoid illegal drugs when visiting places like Ibiza. They emphasized that no one is immune to the risks associated with drug use. Adrian Long, Ryan’s father, described his son as always full of life and smiling. He shared how he and his wife, Angela, learned of Ryan’s illness in the early hours of the morning and tried to book flights to get to him as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there were no available flights until Thursday, July 4, making the wait agonizing.
Medical professionals initially gave Ryan only two hours to live. Ms. Long expressed her deep regret, saying she had always taught Ryan the importance of avoiding drugs. She also believed that the high cost of food and drinks in Ibiza may have influenced his decision to take the pills. "It was 52 Euros for a single vodka and coke," she said. "He was doing an apprenticeship. He wasn't on brilliant money."
The Aftermath and Community Response
Ryan was eventually airlifted to Palma De Mallorca, where he was diagnosed with acute and deteriorating liver failure due to the drug. His body could not cope with the effects, leading to his tragic death. Ms. Long described the loss as like a dream and advised other young people planning trips to Ibiza that they are not invincible and that the risks are real.
Ryan’s father hoped his story would make others aware of the potential consequences of drug use. He mentioned that Ryan had never been abroad without his parents before and had not even unpacked his suitcase when he took the fatal drug. “Everyone thinks nothing is going to happen to them, but unfortunately, it does,” he said.
A Community in Mourning
Ryan’s friends were deeply traumatized by the incident. One of them even accompanied him in the ambulance, helping to pump a respirator while medical staff attended to him. Mr. Long described the emotional toll on the group, noting that they had done everything right and couldn’t have done more.
Cliff, another close friend of the family, warned against the so-called 'squeaky clean image' of Ibiza as a safe destination for young people. He revealed that the hospital had already seen five or six similar cases. Ryan was not only a talented swimmer and scuba diver but also a passionate DJ and Southend United fan.
Support and Remembrance
Ben Bradford, owner of the Ben Bradford Goalkeeping Academy, where Ryan was a long-standing member, set up a GoFundMe page to support the family. He described Ryan as a lovely lad and noted that his decision to take drugs was completely out of character. The community has been deeply affected, and plans are in place to honor Ryan’s memory with a minute of silence at future training sessions.
Mr. Bradford emphasized that the GoFundMe page is not just about financial support but also about showing love and care to the family. “The best way they can do that is by putting something in the pot for them,” he said.
A Final Message
Ryan’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of drug use. As the summer season begins, the hope is that this tragedy will encourage young people to think carefully before making risky decisions. The message is clear: no one is invincible, and the consequences can be devastating.
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