A Cwmbran man and father of two has died after falling from a balcony in Spain while on holiday.
Respected Pontnewydd shopkeeper Darren Silcox, 56, was one of two men who fell from a hotel balcony at the Galeón Playa Apartments in Lanzarote on October 25.
An inquest today (November 10) heard that Darren Silcox tragically died in the Canary Islands after falling 20ft when a wooden balcony banister collapsed, sending him into an apartment stairwell.
Mr Silcox had travelled from Cwmbran, Gwent, to the Costa Teguise(corr) resort in Lanzarote for the sunshine break.
He was standing with another British holidaymaker when the protective railing on the stairwell balcony is reported to have ‘collapsed.’
Mr Silcox died from his injuries and the other man, 54, was treated in hospital with severe injuries.
The opening of an inquest into his death stated that Mr Silcox fell into an atrium stairwell ‘following the collapse of a wooden banister.’
Gwent Coroner's Court was told the local civil guard are investigating his death.
Area coroner for Gwent, Rose Farmer, said she was opening the inquest ‘due to a death from injuries from a fall.’
She said preliminary investigations suggested Mr Silcox died ‘due to a traumatic brain injury due to a fall, skull fractures and skull lacerations.’
Customers are 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."
He ran two stores in the town at Pontnewydd and Five Locks.
Locals say his wife died last year after an illness. One said: "They have two children who are now left without parents - it is tragic."
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.
They said: “The two men fell at approximately 1:30am and emergency responders were alerted to the scene. Mr Silcox was pronounced dead at 3.30am.
“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.”
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.
The inquest has been adjourned until a full hearing on 20 July 2026.
The Argus has contacted Galeón Playa Apartments for further information.
Share