Holiday Tragedy - Man Dies from Salmonella After Eating Undercooked Chicken at Resort
A dream holiday to celebrate a milestone birthday ended in tragedy when a British grandfather died from food poisoning at a four-star resort in the Canary Islands.
Leslie Green, from Little Lever in Bolton, Greater Manchester, had travelled to Fuerteventura with his wife Julie in October 2024 to mark his 70th birthday. They were staying at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort, where the couple dined exclusively at the hotel buffet throughout their stay.
During the second week of the holiday, on 9 October, Mr Green fell ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and dehydration. He was seen by the in-resort doctor three days later and taken by ambulance to a local clinic for fluids.
Despite medical intervention, his health continued to deteriorate. He was later admitted to a Spanish hospital, where doctors diagnosed sepsis and kidney failure. Placed in an induced coma, Mr Green’s condition worsened until doctors concluded that nothing more could be done. On 4 November, his life support was switched off.
The inquest heard that Mr Green had contracted salmonella after eating partially cooked chicken at the resort. His wife, who turned 60 during the trip, also became seriously ill with the infection and spent a week in hospital.
Mrs Green recalled specific concerns about food safety during their stay. One day, she noticed a carbonara sauce that was lukewarm. On another occasion, she found her chicken undercooked.
Leslie Green died from food poisoning
A family’s loss
“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and trying to come to terms with Leslie’s death,” Mrs Green said after the hearing.
“Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad. He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same. I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn’t come home.
"Leslie was the head of our family and someone everyone looked to for help and guidance. There’s now a gaping hole in our family that can never be filled.
“I’d do anything not to be in this position and for Leslie to be in our lives, but I know that’s not possible. Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honour Leslie’s memory.
“I just hope that by speaking out I can prevent anyone else suffering like Leslie did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
Leslie Green was celebrating his milestone 70th birthday
Jennifer Hodgson, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents Mrs Green, said the family’s concerns had been confirmed by the inquest.
“Julie and the rest of her family remain devastated by Leslie’s death and the circumstances surrounding it,” Hodgson said. “Understandably they’ve had a number of concerns about how Leslie contracted his infection. Sadly, the inquest has validated their concerns, hearing worrying evidence.
“What happened to Leslie vividly highlights the impact of salmonella and why it, and other gastric illnesses, should never be downplayed. While nothing can make up for the ordeal Julie and her family have been through, it’s now vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene for other holidaymakers in the future.
“We continue to support Julie at this distressing time.”
"Leslie was the head of our family and someone everyone looked to for help and guidance. There’s now a gaping hole in our family that can never be filled.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of foodborne illnesses and the critical need for strict food safety standards in the hospitality industry.
