What was meant to be a joyous family getaway turned into heartbreak for a British family when Elena Walsh, 64, tragically died while on holiday in Cape Verde.
The part-time nurse had traveled to the picturesque Sal island for a luxury break at Riu Cabo Verde, planning to celebrate both her husband’s 60th birthday and her son’s recent engagement.
Sudden Illness Sparks Panic
Just a week into the 12-night trip, Ms Walsh fell seriously ill.
She began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and heavy sweating, which left her so weak that she needed assistance to move around.
Her condition worsened rapidly, prompting urgent medical attention.
Emergency Response and Rapid Decline
On the morning of August 9, a nurse checked on Ms Walsh in her hotel room before she was rushed by taxi to a local clinic and then transferred to a hospital.
Tragically, her condition deteriorated at a distressing pace, and she was pronounced dead around 6:30 a.m. the following day.
Family Left in Shock and Mourning
Her sudden death has devastated her family. Husband Patrick, son Sean, 29, and Sean’s fiancée Gemma Kentish, 26, were all on the trip and have described the ordeal as shattering.
Mr Walsh, married to Elena for nearly 40 years, has voiced his deep concerns about hygiene standards at the resort, saying he is still struggling to understand what caused her death.
Concerns About Hygiene at the Resort
Patrick Walsh revealed worrying observations about the hotel’s food and overall cleanliness.
He described meals that were often lukewarm, undercooked, or rushed out before they were properly prepared.
On one occasion, his son noticed chicken that tasted off and stopped eating it.
Patrick also highlighted disturbing behaviour at the pool bar, including guests remaining all day without using the restroom, leading to visibly dirty water.
A Desperate Struggle for Care
Witnessing his wife’s rapid decline was harrowing. By Saturday morning, she was so weak she needed a wheelchair to leave their room and reach the taxi to the clinic.
Despite repeated requests for updates, the family felt left in the dark about her condition.
Eventually, doctors informed them that Elena’s organs were failing and there was nothing more they could do.
Seeking Answers Through Legal Action
Determined to uncover the truth, Mr Walsh has engaged medical negligence lawyers to investigate the care his wife received.
Jatinder Paul, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, confirmed that the family has pressing questions about how Elena became ill and whether the treatment she received contributed to her death.
Wider Concerns About Cape Verde Holidays
Irwin Mitchell is already representing over 1,500 UK holidaymakers who have fallen ill in Cape Verde over the past three years, including more than 200 cases at Riu Cabo Verde.
Jatinder Paul emphasised that reports of holidaymakers falling seriously ill at all-inclusive resorts in the region remain alarmingly frequent, calling the situation “beyond belief.”
Family Pleads for Accountability
For the Walsh family, the priority is obtaining answers—not only for closure but also to prevent other families from enduring a similar tragedy.
Patrick Walsh stated: “If Elena did fall ill and die because of the hygiene conditions at the hotel, we want to help ensure that no one else suffers the same horror.”
Inquest Planned
An official inquest into Elena Walsh’s death is expected to be held at a later date, as the family continues to seek clarity and justice.