Husband Of Elena Walsh Instructs Lawyers After He And Wife Fall Ill On Riu Cabo Verde Resort Holiday

A British woman has died after suffering a severe illness while on a luxury holiday in Cape Verde. 

Elena Walsh, from Kings Heath, Birmingham, was staying at five-star Riu Cabo Verde resort in Sal when she fell ill with symptoms including sickness and diarrhoea as well as heavy sweats. The 64-year-old was taken to hospital but died two days after falling ill. 

The part-time nurse was on holiday with her husband, Patrick, who also fell ill, and their son, Sean, 29 along with Sean’s fiancée, Gemma Kentish, 26.

The 12-night all-inclusive holiday, costing around £5,000 was booked through tour operator TUI.

Elena's husband Patrick asks lawyers to investigate

Patrick, 60, has now spoken of his concern over hygiene standards at the resort and the passing of his wife.  

He has instructed expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate and secure answers. 

The law firm now represents more than 1,500 UK holidaymakers to Cape Verde who have fallen ill over the last three years, including over 200 at the Riu Cabo Verde. 

A further group of people, who stayed at the Riu Cabo Verde around the same time as the Walshs this year, have also instructed Irwin Mitchell to investigate. 

Jatinder Paul is the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Patrick.

Expert Opinion

“Elena’s loved ones are devastated by her death and the sudden circumstances surrounding it.

“The first-hand account we’ve heard from them and other guests at the resort who reported falling ill are similar and deeply concerning. Understandably, Elena’s loved ones have a number of questions about how she contracted her illness and the care she received in Cape Verde.

“While nothing can make up for their loss we’re determined to at least help establish the answers they deserve.

“We continue to hear too many concerning reports of people falling ill at all-inclusive resorts across Cape Verde, including the Riu Cabo Verde. It beggars belief that so many holidaymakers fall seriously ill at this hotel year-on-year. Tour operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of holidaymakers and we urge them to ensure the highest hygiene and safety standards are always upheld.” Jatinder Paul

Cape Verde illness: Elena Walsh's story

The Walsh family travelled to Cape Verde on 1 August. Elena began feeling unwell on the afternoon of 8 August. 

After her condition worsened overnight, Elena was assessed by a nurse in her room the following morning. She was taken by taxi to a local clinic before being transferred to hospital. 

However, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she died just after 6.30am on 10 August. 

Patrick's concern over Riu Cabo Verde hygiene

Patrick, a retired plant operator, said: “Elena was the heart and soul of our family. She was caring, compassionate, and always put others first.  Elena was a wonderful wife, mum, and friend. She was loved by everyone who knew her.
 
“In the nearly 40 years we’d been together, I’d never seen Elena so poorly. By the Saturday morning, she was so weak that she had to be helped into a wheelchair to be taken from our room and into a taxi to go to the nearby clinic. 
 
“The care she received felt chaotic and we felt like we were in the dark around what was happening despite asking for updates. After hours of trying to treat her, they suddenly told us Elena’s organs were failing and there was nothing they could do for her. 
 
“We’re absolutely devastated by Elena’s death. It has absolutely broken us as a family and one of the hardest things to try to come to terms with is the sudden and distressing way in which we lost her while we were supposed to be enjoying a family holiday, which was celebrating my 60th birthday and my son getting engaged.
 
“I’m not sure we’ll ever get over what happened to Elena, but we have so many concerns about what caused her death. 
 
“We were really worried about the hygiene at the hotel – the food was often lukewarm, the cheese on the pizza was not melted properly and seemed undercooked. On one night my son mentioned that the chicken tasted funny, so he stopped eating it. 

“I found at times the food in the hotel was being rushed out to be served when it hadn't been cooked properly and we noticed people standing in the pool bar all day, without leaving to go to the toilet, with the water changing colour. 
 
“The least we feel we deserve is answers, not just for our family but if Elena did fall ill, and die, because of the hygiene conditions at the hotel, we can then help try and prevent other families from going through the same horrific ordeal we have endured.”

An inquest into Elena’s death is expected to be held at a later date.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting people affected by serious illness on holiday at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.