Leslie Green contracted salmonella while staying at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura, where he was celebrating his 70th birthday.
Julie and Leslie Green on their holiday in the Canary Islands, before Leslie fell ill. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
A British man died after eating half-cooked chicken at a plush 4-star resort during a holiday to the Canary Islands, an inquest heard. Leslie Green contracted salmonella while staying at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura, where he was celebrating his 70th birthday.
The grandfather-of-one was admitted to a Spanish hospital with complications, including sepsis and kidney failure, after falling ill during the second week of his £2,300 holiday. Mr Green, of Little Lever, Bolton, Greater Manchester, died about four weeks later from multi-organ failure as a result of sepsis. Rochdale Coroner’s Court concluded that he died from food poisoning contracted as a result of eating partially cooked chicken.
Leslie Green was in Canary Islands to celebrate his 70th birthday. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
Julie, his wife of 38 years, was also left seriously ill after she too got salmonella on her 60th birthday. She spent a week in the hospital before recovering. Both had only eaten from the buffet during their stay, she told the hearing.
Mr Green, a retired newspaper delivery driver for the Manchester Evening News, fell ill on October 9 last year with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration.
Mrs Green said the couple had concerns because a carbonara sauce they ate one day was lukewarm, while she found her chicken undercooked during another meal.
Mr Green was seen by the in-resort doctor on October 12 and taken by ambulance to the local clinic to be given fluids. His condition did not improve, and he was admitted to the hospital the following day.
Leslie Green with daughter Sarah. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
He was placed into an induced coma, yet he continued to deteriorate, and doctors said they could do nothing further for him.
He died hours after his life support machine was switched off on November 4 and was repatriated a week later.
Jennifer Hodgson, representing Mrs Green, said: “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.
Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
“We continue to support Julie at this distressing time.”
After the hearing, Mrs Green said: “Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad.
“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.”
The Occidental Jandia Playa has been approached for comment.
