An 88-year-old British tourist has died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a violent robbery in Tenerife, Spain. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, June 17, 2026, in the popular holiday resort of Los Cristianos. The victim was with his 79-year-old wife when a robber targeted them outside the entrance to a block of flats in broad daylight, according to Canarian Weekly.
Attack and Fall
The suspect allegedly attacked the elderly couple, knocking the 88-year-old to the ground. The victim fell backwards, striking his back and head on the pavement. The robber reportedly attempted to steal the wife's handbag and fled the scene after the fall. The wife was also assaulted, but her current condition has not been disclosed.
The victim was reportedly visiting Tenerife to celebrate his birthday, according to local reports. The stress and impact of the fall are believed to have triggered a cardiac arrest.
Emergency Response and Death
Eyewitnesses called for emergency services, and the Canary Islands Emergency Service arrived quickly with a team of paramedics. They performed CPR and managed to restore the victim's heartbeat at the scene. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent care but died on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Spanish police have opened an investigation and are working to identify and apprehend the suspect. According to Spanish media outlet Sur, commemorative flowers have been placed outside the block of flats where the attack took place.
