Paul William Jones became increasingly unwell after landing in Spain
Paul William Jones died while on holiday in Spain last year
A Welsh man died on holiday in Spain after taking illicit substances before getting on a flight, an inquest has found. Paul William Jones, 36, died at a hospital in Alicante after he became “increasingly unresponsive” upon arriving in Spain on holiday.
Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard Mr Jones, who lived in Wattstown, Rhondda, had a past history of drug use.
Coroner Rachel Knight said that Mr Jones “likely took an overdose of illicit substances” on February 22, 2025, before flying to Spain on holiday.
“Upon arrival he became increasingly unresponsive and was taken to hospital in Alicante,” she said. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here.
Mr Jones’ condition continued to deteriorate and he died at Marina Baixa Hospital in Alicante on February 27.
A post-mortem examination found Mr Jones died as a result of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy – a serious brain injury caused by reduced oxygen to the brain. The coroner ruled this occurred as a result of Mr Jones’ drug use.
The inquest heard there was “no evidence” that Mr Jones intended to die.
Ms Knight recorded a conclusion of drug-related death. The medical causes of death were given as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy as well as drug overdose.