A family holiday meant for celebration ended in heartbreak when a Birmingham mother tragically passed away at a luxury resort in Cape Verde.
Elena Walsh, 64, had been enjoying a 12-night getaway at the Riu Cabo Verde on Sal Island to mark her husband Patrick’s 60th birthday and her son Sean’s engagement.
What should have been a joyful trip quickly turned into a nightmare.
Sudden Illness Hits Amid Celebrations
Just a week into their stay, Elena began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and intense sweating.
Her condition deteriorated so quickly that she became too weak to walk, requiring assistance into a wheelchair.
On the morning of August 9, a nurse assessed her in their room before she was rushed to a local clinic and later transferred to a hospital.
Tragically, Elena passed away around 6:30 a.m. the following day.
Family Raises Concerns About Hotel Hygiene
Elena’s husband Patrick, married to her for nearly 40 years, has opened up about the family’s worries over hygiene at the resort.
“We were really concerned about the standards at the hotel,” he said. “The food was often lukewarm, and cheese on the pizza sometimes wasn’t melted properly.
One night my son noticed the chicken tasted off and stopped eating it.
Sometimes it felt like the food was rushed out before it was fully cooked.”
Patrick also described troubling scenes around the resort, noting guests spending long hours at the pool bar without using the restroom, which caused the water to change color.
“I’d never seen Elena so poorly in all our years together,” he added.
“By Saturday morning, she couldn’t even walk to the taxi to go to the clinic without help.”
Chaotic Care and Medical Concerns
Patrick said that the care Elena received at the clinic and hospital felt chaotic.
“We were in the dark about what was happening, even after asking for updates,” he explained.
“After hours of treatment, they suddenly told us her organs were failing and there was nothing they could do.”
Determined to uncover answers, Patrick has now enlisted specialist medical negligence lawyers to investigate.
Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell, who is representing him, said, “Elena’s loved ones are devastated by her sudden death.
They have serious questions about how she fell ill and the care she received.”
Broader Pattern of Illness at Cape Verde Resorts
Irwin Mitchell is representing over 1,500 UK holidaymakers who have fallen ill in Cape Verde in the past three years, including more than 200 at the Riu Cabo Verde.
Paul added, “It beggars belief that so many guests become seriously ill at this hotel year after year.”
Patrick hopes their case will not only uncover the truth but also help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“The least we deserve is answers,” he said. “If Elena’s death was linked to hygiene issues at the hotel, we hope it can prevent other families from suffering the same ordeal.”
Inquest and Next Steps
An inquest into Elena Walsh’s death is expected to be scheduled at a later date.
Riu Cabo Verde has been contacted for comment regarding the tragic incident.