The family of a 17-year-old British teenager who died in Greece has paid tribute to their “deeply loved son” following his tragic death after a reported fall from a hotel balcony.
According to Greek media, the teenager fell from a hotel balcony in the Athens suburb of Chalandri at around 5:00 a.m. local time (03:00 BST) on 3 July. He was rushed to the Red Cross Hospital in Athens in critical condition but later died from his injuries.
In a statement released on Friday through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the teenager’s parents described their overwhelming grief.
“It is not possible to put into words the shock and heartbreak we feel from the sudden loss of our beloved child,” they said.
The family remembered him as a talented musician and a kind-hearted young man who brought happiness to those around him.
“He was a deeply loved son, an exceptional guitarist and a friend to so many. Full of laughter, he was someone who brought joy wherever he went. He will be missed beyond words.”
They added that their son’s warmth, spirit and kindness had left an unforgettable impact.
“There is a space in this world that was uniquely his, one that can never be filled by anyone else. His warmth, his spirit, and the happiness he brought to others will never be forgotten.”
The family also thanked everyone who had offered support during what they described as an “incredibly difficult time.”
In their statement, they encouraged British travellers to obtain a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before travelling abroad, saying it can help UK citizens access state healthcare more easily in participating countries.
The teenager has not been publicly identified, and Greek authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.