Man Dies of Food Poisoning After Contracting Salmonella from Undercooked Chicken on 70th Birthday Vacation

A 70-year-old man tragically passed away after contracting food poisoning whilst on vacation at a hotel in Spain. The incident occurred at the 4-star Occidental Jandia Playa on the island of Fuerteventura, where Leslie Green was celebrating his 70th birthday. Leslie, who hailed from the town of Little Lever in Bolton, UK, fell ill after consuming undercooked chicken at the resort. His symptoms began on October 9, 2024, nine days into their vacation, with diarrhoea being the initial sign of trouble.

Leslie was attended by the in-resort doctor on October 12, 2024, and then taken to a local clinic due to the worsening of his condition. Following this, he was admitted to the hospital where his health continued to deteriorate. Tragically, Leslie was placed in an induced coma as he battled sepsis, and despite efforts from medical professionals, he sadly succumbed to the illness on November 4, 2024. This devastating turn of events came nearly a month after Leslie first showed symptoms of food poisoning.

The coroner’s inquest into Leslie’s death revealed that he suffered from multi-organ failure caused by sepsis, which stemmed from Salmonella poisoning. This finding was conveyed by Irwin Mitchell, the law firm representing Leslie’s family, shedding light on the severe consequences of consuming undercooked poultry. Julie Green, Leslie’s wife of 38 years and a retired nurse, also fell ill from Salmonella during the same vacation and spent a week battling the effects of the infection. Speaking about the loss of her husband, Julie expressed the deep impact Leslie’s passing has had on their family.

The details of the tragedy were brought to light during the court proceedings, with solicitor Jennifer Hodgson, representing Leslie’s family, emphasising the need for improved hygiene standards to prevent similar incidents in the future. The law firm’s statement highlighted the devastating impact of Salmonella and stressed the importance of not underestimating the severity of gastrointestinal illnesses. Julie Green’s courage in facing the details of her husband’s death during the inquest was noted, showcasing her resilience amidst the heart-wrenching circumstances.

The Occidental Jandía Playa, owned by the Barcelo Hotel Group, along with Jet2 and the Rochdale Coroner’s Court, were approached for additional information regarding the case but did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The legal proceedings surrounding Leslie’s passing underscore the importance of food safety and the potential consequences of negligence in food preparation. The tragic loss of Leslie Green serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating effects food poisoning can have on individuals and their loved ones, prompting calls for heightened vigilance in ensuring proper food handling practices to prevent similar incidents.