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British holidaymaker dies three months after violent attack in Spain
Marshall Latham, 68, was sucker punched while visiting Fuerteventura
A British tourist has died from his injuries three months after being violently attacked during a night out on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura.
Marshall Latham, a 68-year-old retired carpenter from Nantwich, Cheshire, had been enjoying a holiday in the Canary Islands with his partner when the incident occurred in December.
Known as “Marsh” to his friends, he was returning to his hotel after a night out in the resort of Caleta de Fuste when he was punched in what witnesses described as a completely unprovoked attack.
According to a fundraiser launched by his family, Marsh “was punched out of the blue by someone he didn't know.” The impact caused him to fall and strike his head on the concrete, leaving him unconscious with a serious brain injury.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and he was taken to a hospital in Puerto del Rosario. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to a larger hospital in Gran Canaria.
There, he underwent emergency surgery, which included the removal of a 14-centimetre section of his skull to relieve pressure. He also required a tracheotomy and had a drain fitted to reduce brain swelling. During his time in intensive care, he suffered two bouts of pneumonia and developed meningitis.
His condition was so critical that doctors told the family twice to prepare for the worst.
However, in early March, after a long medical battle, Marsh was stable enough to be flown back to the UK. He was admitted to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool on March 1. Sadly, he passed away there on March 16.
An inquest into his death was opened at Warrington Coroner’s Court last week but has now been paused until August while Spanish authorities continue their investigation and consider possible charges.
Spanish police confirmed that a 32-year-old man was arrested at Fuerteventura Airport while boarding a flight to Glasgow in connection with the assault.
A police spokesperson said in February: “A 32-year-old man whose initials are TD was held at Fuerteventura Airport after being identified from CCTV. He was handed over to the courts following his arrest.”
A court official added: “He appeared before a judge at Court of Investigation Number Four in Puerto del Rosario. He is being investigated on suspicion of a crime of wounding. He was released on bail. An investigation is ongoing. The court is awaiting a forensic review and the taking of witness statements.”
The suspect’s nationality has not been confirmed.
Marsh’s brother-in-law said that Marsh was a frequent visitor to the island and usually went “three to four times a year” with his partner.
He said: “Lynn had gone back to their apartment, and Marsh stayed for another drink and was walking home when something has happened. He was hit by this guy, somewhere near a taxi rank, and he has gone down and hit his head on the concrete floor.”
He added: “We are also told this man had been thrown out of a bar on the same night before the attack.”
Marshall Latham is remembered by friends and family as kind-hearted and generous. Loved ones now await the outcome of the Spanish investigation, hoping for answers and accountability.
Image: GoFundMe
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