Cwmbran father-of-two dies in Lanzarote balcony fall

On October 25, respected shopkeeper Darren Silcox, 56, was one of two men who fell from a hotel balcony in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Silcox had travelled from Cwmbran, to the Costa Tequise resort in Lanzarote for the sunshine break.

Galeón Playa apartments Lanzarote (Image: Supplied)

He was standing with another British holidaymaker when the protective railing on the balcony is reported to have "collapsed."

Mr Silcox died from his injuries and the other man, 54, was treated in hospital with severe injuries.

Mr Silcox ran two stores in the town, located at Pontnewydd and Five Locks.

Respected shopkeeper Darren Silcox from Cwmbran has tragically died (Image: NQ)

Customers at his two Silcox stores were shocked at the tragedy.

One said: "This is terrible. It is a family store, and everyone knows them - what a shocking way to go. He was always very hard working."

Mr Silcox leaves behind a son and a daughter.

Spain's Civil Guard has launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident which happened on October 25.

The police are reportedly focussing on whether inadequate upkeep or safety measures played a role in the death.

Police said: “The two men fell at approximately 1:30am and emergency responders were alerted to the scene.

“Medical teams arriving at the location confirmed that the 56-year-old had died from his injuries in the fall.

“The 54-year-old survivor received immediate medical attention before being transported to the intensive care unit at Doctor Jose Molina Orosa Hospital.”

Darren Silcox’s shop in Cwmbran. The shopkeeper has sadly died. (Image: NQ)

The incident has deeply affected the popular tourist destination, where visitors typically expect safe standards in hotels and flats.

Initial reports indicate the compromised barrier was situated in an upper section of the hotel premises, though authorities have not disclosed the establishment's name.

An inquest is due to be opened in Newport by the Gwent coroner.