Stag Do Horror: Briton Plunges 20ft, Lands in Coma Hours into Lanzarote Celebration
A celebratory stag weekend in the popular Spanish resort of Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote, took a terrifying turn for 25-year-old Dan Bevis, a groom-to-be from Britain. Just two hours after arriving on the island and settling into his hotel, Bevis suffered a devastating fall from a substantial 20-foot wall, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury and in a medically induced coma.
The ill-fated incident occurred shortly after Bevis had dropped off his luggage and enjoyed a couple of pints at the first pub of the evening. Witnesses report that he fell backwards from the wall, landing head-first onto the pavement below. His friend was reportedly the first on the scene, staying with Bevis until emergency services arrived.
Bevis was immediately rushed to hospital, where medical staff discovered he had sustained a significant bleed on the brain and multiple fractures. He was subsequently transferred to intensive care and placed into a coma to allow his body to begin the critical healing process.
His fiancée, Kirsty Elvins, 27, who hails from Alcester in Warwickshire, was understandably distraught upon hearing the news. She and the couple’s young son quickly flew out to Lanzarote to be at Dan’s bedside. “I literally screamed when I found out,” Kirsty recounted, describing the chaotic scene that greeted her upon arrival. She noted that three ambulances and police attended the site, but by then, Dan was unconscious and had suffered extensive bleeding from his head.
Insurance Success and a Community’s Support
Remarkably, Bevis’s travel insurance has agreed to cover his extensive medical bills. Kirsty attributes this to the fact that Dan had consumed very little alcohol prior to the accident. This detail was crucial in ensuring the insurance provider did not deem his injuries to be a result of excessive intoxication, which could have invalidated his cover.
However, with Dan being self-employed, the financial strain on the couple is significant. Ahead of their planned wedding on July 3rd, his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for essential bills during his recovery. Kirsty expressed frustration at the assumptions some people have made, stating, “A lot of people presumed just because he was on his stag do, ‘I bet he was really drunk’, but if the travel insurance thought that, they wouldn’t be trying to help us with the claim.”
The couple is still navigating the final payments for their wedding, but the majority of the funds they had meticulously saved have now been redirected to prioritise Dan’s immediate medical care. Kirsty also highlighted the importance of comprehensive travel insurance and having a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for all travellers. “It is such a big thing,” she emphasised, urging others to be prepared.
A Wedding Day with a Difference
While Dan’s recovery is ongoing, Kirsty remains hopeful that he will be well enough to walk down the aisle with her. However, it is anticipated that he will still require the use of a wheelchair on their wedding day. The accident has had a direct impact on their financial plans, with Dan expected to be unable to return to work for at least four to six weeks. The GoFundMe initiative aims to alleviate some of this financial pressure, allowing the couple to focus on Dan’s rehabilitation and their upcoming marriage. The outpouring of support from friends, family, and the wider community has been a source of strength for Kirsty and Dan during this incredibly challenging time.
