A dream holiday to the sunny shores of Benidorm turned into an unimaginable nightmare for a group of British friends as their 30-year-old companion, a commercial pilot, tragically drowned in a hotel pool just hours after arriving.
Ryan Cook, described as a 'wonderful son and brother' full of life, was pulled unconscious from the water at the four-star Meliá Villaitana hotel on Costa Blanca. Despite frantic efforts by emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory getaway.
A Life Full of Promise Cut Short
Ryan, from Hunwick in County Durham, was not just a tourist; he was a qualified pilot, a professional who commanded aircraft but met his fate in a swimming pool. His heartbroken family has been left utterly devastated by the sudden loss, remembering him as a man who was 'loved by so many'.
The incident occurred on Monday, May 27th, sending shockwaves through the resort community. Local reports indicate that another holidaymaker bravely jumped into the pool to pull Ryan to the surface after noticing him in distress at the bottom.
Frantic Efforts and a Devastating Outcome
Paramedics and a doctor raced to the luxury complex and performed CPR for over half an hour in a desperate attempt to save his life. Tragically, their efforts were in vain. The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the pilot's untimely death.
His friends, who had travelled with him to celebrate the start of a holiday, are now being supported by specialists during this profoundly difficult time. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed they are in contact with the Spanish authorities following the death of a British man.
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist even in relaxed holiday environments, leaving a family and community to mourn a young man with a bright future ahead of him.
