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4 months ago
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THE autopsy results of a dad found dead and covered in bite marks in Magaluf revealed he had taken cocaine and drunk alcohol before his death.
Cops launched an urgent probe after Michael Grant, 45, was discovered with scratches on his body and a deep glass filled wound in the early hours of Monday.
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GettyA pre-autopsy examination previously revealed the dad-of-four had leg injuries that could have been caused by a car.
It was initially feared Michael had suffered a heart attack.
The full results of the autopsy carried out today on the youth football coach have not yet been made public.
But medical examiners found traces of the banned Class-A drug as well as alcohol in his system.
It has not been determined whether this had anything to do with the 45-year-old’s death.
Further tests are now understood to take place.
It comes after Civil Guard sources denied a murder investigation had been launched.
However, they confirmed the force were still hunting a ‘hit-and-run’ driver they believed had injured Michael shortly before he was found dead near Magaluf’s Punta Ballena strip.
Michael had spent the afternoon drinking by his hotel pool at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort, before going out partying.
He was on holiday with his wife Leanne, their four children, and other families.
It’s reported he was separated from the group, becoming disoriented after a boozy day followed by evening drinks in town.
The physiotherapist from Waterford was then found unresponsive on Martin Ros Garcia street after collapsing at about 4.30am.
Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was identified by his hotel wristband and also by the tattooed names of his wife and children on his back.
Michael had leg and knee injuries consistent with having been hit by a car and a deep wound with glass inside on his back.
But he also had bite marks on his arm and shoulder and other scratch wounds thought to have been unrelated to the unsolved traffic incident.
Investigators believe they could have been sustained in a prior altercation.
Spanish cops have now been pouring through CCTV footage in the hours leading up to the tragedy.
One well-placed source said: “The injuries the holidaymaker had were not life-threatening and this investigation is neither a murder or homicide probe at this stage, nor do we expect it to become one.
“But we are looking into the hours leading up to his death because something has happened that needs to be properly explained.
“Everything is pointing to this man being involved in some sort of altercation and being hit by a car in incidents that may or may not be unrelated.
“There are still a lot of unanswered questions we need to try to get to the bottom of.”
Police sources said yesterday the dead man’s friends and loved ones would be questioned as part of their investigation to see if they could shed any light on what had happened.
A security guard alerted local police, telling officers he had seen the man collapse and fall to the ground.
Attempts to revive him at the scene proved unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
A spokesman for Calvia Council, which is responsible for the Magaluf area, said initially the dead man was British before it was confirmed he was travelling on an Irish passport.
It said in a statement early yesterday: “A 45-year-old man died in the street this morning in the Magaluf area.
“It occurred around 4.30am. The dead man was staying in a hotel in the area.”
He added: “An employee of a local establishment alerted police, saying that a man was unwell and was stumbling around in the street.
“Local police arrived and performed CPR but were unable to revive him. The Civil Guard has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of death.”
A Civil Guard spokesman said early yesterday morning in the force’s only official comment so far: “This death does not appear to be crime-related in any way but the autopsy will be key to determining what happens next.”
‘DEVASTATING LOSS’
Mr Grant was a head child coach at St Joseph’s AFC Waterford football club.
It said in a tribute statement released on its Facebook page: “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden shock passing of our dearest club member and head child coach, Michael Grant.
“As many of you know, Michael was more than just a coach to us – he was a beloved friend and as a club and for his family we need time to process this devastating loss.
“Michael was an integral part of our community, and his absence will be profoundly felt. He was not just a coach but a mentor and a friend to all the children and adult members at St Joseph’s.
“More recently His dedication, passion, and love for the kids were evident in everything he did. He cherished every one of them, and I’m sure you will all agree that his impact was immeasurable.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family: his wife Leanne, their children Kayleigh, Niamh, Shay and Sophia , his parents Sam and Marie, his brothers, sisters and extended family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.
“We also want to acknowledge the grief and shock that our own children and members are experiencing.
“Michael was a significant part of their lives, and his loss is deeply personal to each of us.
“In the coming days, we will share more information regarding any plans to honor Michael’s memory. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this challenging period.
“Michael, sleep well, dear friend. You will be missed forever, but your legacy and the love you shared will never be forgotten and will always live on in our club.”
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
“As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case.”
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