Harrison Hanley was described as the “biggest personality in any room, and had the gift of lighting up a space”.
12:16, 12 May 2026Updated 12:34, 12 May 2026
Harrison Hanley died in a “tragic accident” while on holiday in Tenerife
A 20-year-old from Liverpool died in a “tragic accident” while on holiday in Tenerife last month, an inquest heard. Harrison Hanley was on holiday in Tenerife on April 25 when his body was found at the Parque Santiago 2 apartment complex on the avenue of Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina in Playa de las Americas.
Harrison, who lived in West Derby and worked as a swimming instructor, was found by a maintenance worker on the morning of April 25 and is said to have fallen from an “internal balcony”, with Spanish reports at the time of Harrison’s death indicating it was a stairwell within the apartment block.
Speaking at an inquest hearing held in the Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool, senior coroner André Rebello said: “On the 25th April 2026, Harrison suffered trauma from a fall from an internal balcony in the apartment block where he was on holiday.
“Harrison died instantly from his injuries. There is no evidence that this was anything but a tragic accident.”
Mr Rebello ruled Harrison’s death was accidental, with his Spanish death certificate stating he died as a result of traumatic shock as a result of polytrauma due to precipitation, which Mr Rebello told the court meant he died from injuries suffered from the fall.
In attendance at the inquest was Harrison’s dad, brother and auntie, with Mr Rebello urging them to continue to “celebrate Harrison’s life in everything you do”.
Following the news of Harrison’s death, his former school, St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School, shared a heartfelt tribute in memory of the 20-year-old.
Writing on its website, a spokesperson for the school said: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Harrison Hanley, a much‑loved former pupil of St Sebastian’s.
“Harrison had an infectious personality that lit up every room he walked into. He loved a challenge, he loved to laugh and he had a smile that made others smile too! His energy, his warmth and his incredible talent as an athlete made him someone you simply couldn’t forget.
“Harrison truly lived out our school motto: ‘Only my best will do. Be kind to one another.’ He showed kindness so naturally, gave his best so willingly and left a lasting impression on pupils and staff – past and present. The memories people hold of him are full of joy, admiration and gratitude for the time they shared with him.”
The school opened a book of condolences to remember Harrison, giving people a chance to share memories and reflections.
They also held a balloon release on May 6. The tribute continued: “As we come together in grief and remembrance, we hold Harrison’s family in our thoughts and prayers, asking that they feel surrounded by the love, strength and support of our whole community.
“Harrison’s light, laughter and spirit will stay with us. He will be remembered so fondly and always as a blessing to our St Sebastian’s family.”
A fundraiser was set up to help Harrison’s family following the news of Harrison’s death by his friend Jack Parry.
It said: “Harrison Hanley was the biggest personality in any room, and had the gift of lighting up a space, lifting everyone around him just by being Harrison. Every memory we share of him is filled with an overwhelming laughter and gratitude. He is genuinely loved by everyone he met.
“Harrison always brought people together, and will continue to do so indefinitely. I have no doubt that everyone whose lives he touched, whether that be friends or family, will continue to spread the love that he so effortlessly gave to everyone else.”
St Hilda’s Hgh School said in a tribute: “Harrison was a lover of life and of people, and everyone’s favourite cheeky chappy. His silliness and sense of fun was matched with an infectious charm. He embodied everything you would want in a student, friend and child.
“Harrison was an incredible sports man, but an even better human being. He brought people together, and made them feel ten feet tall. What has been especially striking is the strength and closeness of Harrison’s friendship group, something that did not happen by chance. It is, in many ways, a reflection of him.
“Harrison brightened the room and your whole day. He made coming to work a joy, and every Harrison memory makes us smile.”