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HOLIDAY HELL

Second British holidaymaker, 75, dies ‘from legionnaires disease after stay at Bulgaria Jet2 Hotel Kalofer where Scot died’

A SECOND Brit holidaymaker has died after he's thought to have contracted legionnaires' disease on holiday in Bulgaria.

Brian Taylor, 75, from Huddersfield, died on July 17 after failing ill at the Hotel Kalofer in the country's Sunny Beach resort, booked through tour operator Jet2.

 Brian Taylor, 75, died after 'contracting legionnaires' disease' on holiday in Bulgaria
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Brian Taylor, 75, died after 'contracting legionnaires' disease' on holiday in BulgariaCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Another tourist John Cowan, 43, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, died on June 19 after being struck down with the disease at the same hotel.

Legionnaires' disease is contracted by inhaling small droplets of water in the air that contain legionella bacteria.

Mr Taylor began complaining of flu-like symptoms after returning home from Bulgaria on June 17.

 John Cowan, 43, died a week after he returned home from Bulgaria
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John Cowan, 43, died a week after he returned home from Bulgaria

The pensioner visited his GP and was prescribed antibiotics but four days later he collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

He spent 25 days in the intensive care unit at the Calderdale Royal Hospital before passing away.

Jet2 said it has been investigating and has transferred all customers and bookings for the summer to other hotels.


Family of tragic Scot who died after contracting deadly Legionnaires’ disease in Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach accuse Jet2 of trying to ‘hush up’ death


The tour operator confirmed two customers had died while a third person affected was not a customer.

Mr Taylor's heartbroken family have now hired lawyers to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

His stepdaughter Lorraine Williams, 54, said: "We have so many concerns about what happened on his holiday and if more should have done to prevent his illness.

 Mr Taylor, 75, from Huddersfield, died on July 17 after failing ill at the Hotel Kalofer (pictured) in the country's Sunny Beach resort, where another Brit tourist also died after contracting legionnaires' disease
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Mr Taylor, 75, from Huddersfield, died on July 17 after failing ill at the Hotel Kalofer (pictured) in the country's Sunny Beach resort, where another Brit tourist also died after contracting legionnaires' diseaseCredit: Google

"We couldn't believe it when we were told that others who stayed at the same hotel had also tested positive for legionnaires'.

"Nothing can make up for Brian's death but we need to know what happened."

Mr Taylor's stepson Martin Farrell, 58, said: "Before his holiday he was fighting fit but when I saw him after he got back he looked awful.

"He was shaking and had a temperature and he didn't talk much about his holiday."

We couldn't believe it when we were told that others who stayed at the same hotel had also tested positive for legionnaires'.

Nothing can make up for Brian's death but we need to know what happened.

Lorraine Williams, Mr Taylor's stepdaughter

He added: "When he collapsed and was admitted to hospital we couldn't believe it.

"He had to be sedated and it was awful to see him like that in the intensive care unit.

"We thought he was turning a corner at one point but then the unimaginable happened. It was a complete shock to us all."

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria.

  • High temperature, feverishness and chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pains
  • Muscle pains
  • Headaches
  • Pneumonia
  • Signs of mental confusion

Mr Taylor's devastated family are working with legal expert Jatinder Paul, who works for Irwin Mitchell, which specialises in personal injury and medical negligence.

Mr Paul said: "All of Brian's family are understandably heartbroken by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what happened.

"Through our work we are sadly only too aware of the devastating consequences of legionnaires' disease and nothing highlights this more than Brian's death.

"We are now investigating how Brian contracted his illness and looking into his stay at the Hotel Kalofer.

"It is extremely worrying that other guests who stayed at the same hotel have also contracted this potentially fatal infection.

"Following an outbreak of legionnaires disease it is vital that the source is identified as soon as possible."


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A spokesperson for Jet2 said: "Sadly, we can confirm that two customers recently passed away shortly after returning to the UK from holiday in Bulgaria.

"We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to their families at this very difficult time, and we have been in constant contact to offer all the assistance and support that we can.

"The health and safety of our customers is our absolute priority.

"In response, and to support our investigation, two independent specialists were instructed to take samples from the hotel and a UKAS accredited laboratory conducted testing of the water samples for any contamination.

"The results of all their tests were negative. We will continue to assist the local authorities in their investigations as required.

"Despite these results we have taken further precautionary measures, like other UK tour operators at the hotel.

"We have transferred all customers and all bookings for this summer to other hotels, and we have also put a stop on sales to the affected hotel for Summer 19 and Summer 20."

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection most commonly caused by breathing in water droplets containing Legionella germs


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