THE mystery death of a dad-of-four in Magaluf should be treated as a murder until proven otherwise, an ex-detective has urged.
Spanish cops have been left baffled by the death of Michael Grant, who was found unresponsive near Magaluf’s Punta Ballena strip at about 4.30am on Monday.
Youth football coach Michael – who was on holiday in Majorca with his wife Leanne, their children, and other families – became disorientated and separated from his group.
Police initially believed he had suffered a heart attack, but a pre-autopsy examination found two bite marks – one on his shoulder and one on his chest.
The Irish holidaymaker also had knee and leg injuries, believed to have been caused when he was hit by a car, as well as scratches and a cut on his back with glass inside.
But a post-mortem has ruled he was not killed by a “hit and run” driver.
Autopsy results also revealed the physiotherapist from Waterford had taken cocaine and drunk alcohol before he died.
Now a former murder squad detective Peter Bleksley has spoken exclusively to The Sun saying he sees the case as a “murder until proven otherwise”.
He said: “It comes as a huge surprise to me that the Guardian of Seville say this is not a homicide inquiry. This is not a murder inquiry.
“But there are questions that need to be answered.
“There’s a bit of mixed messaging going on there, and I think it’s a little confusion, if not only for me, but for many other people, perhaps including his family.”
He continued: “I would apply a rule that used to feature in the murder investigation handbook, and that says think murder until proven otherwise,
“Because there clearly are a number of questions here.
“What’s to say that the alcohol and cocaine in his blood system is not linked to the injuries which may or may not have been incurred,
“But by the vehicle which may in turn be linked to the bite marks – it all could be part of one particular narrative.
“Okay, they may be separate and completely unconnected, but only by adopting the position that I’m going to treat this as a murder, and therefore cover all options until it’s proven that it’s not”.
Despite finding no apparent link between a suspected traffic accident and his death, the case remains a mystery.
Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was identified by his hotel wristband and also by the tattooed names of his wife and children on his back.
Michael was part of a group of families staying at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort in Magaluf, which describes itself online as a popular hotel for families with young children.
He has been hailed as a “dear friend” in an emotional tribute shared by St Joseph’s AFC Waterford football club, where Michael was a coach.
It said: “As many of you know, Michael was more than just a coach to us – he was a beloved friend and as a club and for his family we need time to process this devastating loss.
“Michael was an integral part of our community, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
“He was not just a coach but a mentor and a friend to all the children and adult members at St Joseph’s.”
One well-wisher said: “Sincere sympathy to Michael’s family and all his friends and clubmates in St Joseph’s FC. Michael was a fantastic friend who made you feel good after chatting to him.
“He will be sadly missed by all.”
Another wrote: “RIP pal, the laughs and messing we did in and out of school will never be forgotten.
“Thoughts are with your family at this difficult time. You will be missed but not forgotten.”
