Tragic Loss: British Mum Passes Away During Dream Family Holiday in Cape Verde Celebrating Son's Engagement

Table of Contents

• Tragic Death of a British Mum
• Details of the Family Trip
• Concerns Over Hygiene
• Legal Actions Taken
• Inquest into Elena’s Death

A BRITISH mother has sadly passed away after falling ill during a £5,000 “trip of a lifetime” with her family.

Elena Walsh, 64, was at a five-star resort in Cape Verde when she began to feel unwell.

Elena was accompanied by her husband, Patrick, their son, and their son’s fiancée, Gemma Kentish.Credit: SWNS Elena Walsh with her husband, Patrick, and their son, Sean.Credit: SWNS

According to the family of the tragic mother, the resort had significant hygiene issues.

Elena was celebrating her husband’s 60th birthday and her son’s engagement with her husband, son, and future daughter-in-law.

She traveled to Cape Verde on August 1 with her husband Patrick, who also fell ill, along with their son Sean, 29, and Sean’s fiancée, Gemma Kentish, 26.

Just seven days later, on August 8, Elena began to feel unwell, experiencing sickness, diarrhea, and sweating.

She was quickly taken to a clinic for treatment and then rushed to a hospital when her condition deteriorated.

Sadly, the mother passed away just two days later while still hospitalized.

Elena’s husband Patrick stated: “Elena was the heart and soul of our family. She was caring, compassionate, and always prioritized others.”

“Elena was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. She was cherished by everyone who knew her.”

Heartbroken Patrick, a retired plant operator, expressed deep concerns about the hygiene standards at the hotel during their 12-night stay.

Food was frequently served lukewarm and was not properly cooked, while the care Elena received was described as “chaotic” leading up to her death, according to her grieving husband.

He also noted that people would linger at the pool bar all day without leaving to use the restroom, and he observed the water “changing color.”

Patrick, from Kings Heath, has now engaged medical negligence lawyers to investigate the care his wife of nearly 40 years received.

He added: “The least we feel we deserve is answers, not just for our family but to determine if Elena fell ill and died due to the hotel’s hygiene conditions, so we can help prevent other families from experiencing the same horrific ordeal we have faced.”

Jatinder Paul, a specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Patrick, stated: “Elena’s loved ones are heartbroken over her death and the circumstances surrounding it.”

“Understandably, they have many questions regarding how she contracted her illness and the care she received in Cape Verde.”

“While nothing can compensate for their loss, we are committed to helping them find the answers they deserve.”

“We continue to receive concerning reports of individuals falling ill at all-inclusive resorts across Cape Verde, including the Riu Cabo Verde.”

“It is unbelievable that so many holidaymakers suffer serious illnesses at this hotel year after year.”

An inquest into Elena’s death is anticipated to be held at a later date.

Patrick shared: “After hours of attempts to treat her, they suddenly informed us that Elena’s organs were failing and that there was nothing more they could do.”

“We are utterly devastated by Elena’s death.”

“It has shattered our family, and one of the most challenging aspects to cope with is the sudden and distressing manner in which we lost her while we were supposed to be enjoying a family holiday, celebrating my 60th birthday and my son’s engagement.”

“I’m uncertain if we will ever come to terms with what happened to Elena, but we have numerous concerns regarding the cause of her death.”

Elena Walsh was celebrating her husband’s 60th birthday and her son’s engagement.Credit: SWNS