Marshall Latham, 68, succumbed to injuries three months after being randomly assaulted in Fuerteventura

A British family is mourning the devastating loss of Marshall Latham, a 68-year-old retiree from Cheshire, whose dream getaway turned into a harrowing nightmare after an unprovoked assault in Fuerteventura left him in a coma—and, ultimately, claimed his life.

Marshall, known for his generosity and kind-hearted nature, had been enjoying a peaceful evening on the Canary Islands when he was set upon by a stranger in a random act of violence near a taxi rank on December 10. The single, unprovoked punch caused him to fall and strike his head on the pavement with such force that it fractured his skull in two places, triggering a catastrophic brain haemorrhage.

Spanish authorities confirmed that the attack was entirely unprovoked, with multiple witnesses describing the moment as sudden, brutal and without any warning or confrontation. What should have been a relaxing winter escape ended in unimaginable horror.

Marshall was rushed to a local hospital where doctors fought to save his life. He underwent multiple emergency procedures, including the removal of part of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain and the insertion of a drain. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, he never regained consciousness. His condition deteriorated further as he developed pneumonia and other complications over the following weeks.

After three long months in a coma, Marshall’s family arranged for him to be flown back to the UK. He was admitted to the Walton Centre in Liverpool, a specialist neurological facility, where he passed away peacefully on March 16—his family by his side. His loved ones described bringing him home as their final act of love. “Getting him back to the UK was really important,” said a family member, speaking of the immense emotional and logistical support they received from the community.

The senseless nature of the attack has sparked widespread outrage. Spanish police arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the assault, but he was released on bail in February—weeks before Marshall succumbed to his injuries. Now, as grief consumes the Latham family, calls for justice are intensifying on both sides of the Channel.

“This man was a true gentleman,” one friend said. “He’d give you the shirt off his back. He didn’t deserve this. No one does.”

Marshall’s death has reignited concerns about the safety of British tourists abroad. With thousands of UK holidaymakers jetting off to the Canary Islands every year, many are now questioning the adequacy of security measures in popular destinations and the effectiveness of foreign justice systems in dealing with such brutal acts against tourists.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing support to the Latham family and is in contact with Spanish authorities. “We are assisting the family of a British man who died following an incident in Fuerteventura and are liaising with the local authorities,” said a spokesperson.

As the investigation continues, Marshall Latham’s loved ones have vowed not to let his memory be reduced to a crime statistic. They’re demanding accountability and want assurances that steps will be taken to prevent other families from suffering similar tragedies.

What began as a peaceful holiday has ended in heartbreak, with one question haunting everyone who knew him: how could such a gentle soul meet such a cruel fate?