Police investigating the death of Michael Grant are now investigating a street vendor who suspects he may have had a fight with the Irish tourist before he collapsed on a street in Magaluf.
Investigators initially thought the father of four may have been hit by a car based on injuries to his legs and knees after a brief pre-autopsy examination of his trauma.
But detectives now suspect the non-life-threatening injuries on his body were inflicted by a street vendor and his friends during a fight on the track on Sunday night, respected Mallorcan daily Ultima Hora reported last night.
Mr Grant was later found to have broken glass embedded in a cut on his back, along with what appeared to be a pair of bite marks on his shoulder.
The dramatic twist in the ongoing investigation came after Guardia Civil investigators found no trace of a road traffic incident involving the dead man on CCTV cameras after an “exhaustive search”.
Unless there is evidence to the contrary, the Civil Guard has abandoned the idea that he was run over.
This is the last image of Irish tourist Michael Grant, who collapsed in the street and died in Magaluf in the early hours of Monday morning
AFC Waterford have paid tribute to their ‘most loved member of the club and head youth coach’
Police could not be reached for comment last night and it is unclear how much evidence officers have at this stage to support this line of inquiry.
However, informed sources have claimed that the death of Mr Grant, 45, is not being treated as a homicide.
Autopsy results showed he had consumed cocaine and alcohol before he died, which is believed to be related to his collapse and sudden death rather than any previous altercation.
Further tests on tissue samples are now being carried out in a specialist laboratory in Barcelona.
As well as injuries to his knees and legs, physiotherapist Mr Grant, from Waterford, had scratches and bite marks on his body and a cut on his back with glass still in it.
Saliva samples have been taken from the two bites, one on the shoulder and one on the chest, to determine who is responsible.
Mr Grant, who was on holiday with his wife Leanne and at least two of their four children and other family from Ireland, collapsed on Martin Ros Street near Punta Ballena at around 4.30am on Monday.
He had reportedly taken a wrong turn and become separated from other members of his group after spending the afternoon drinking by his hotel pool before heading out to party.
They stayed at the four-star Sol Katmandu Park and Resort hotel in Magaluf, which is described online as a popular hotel for families with young children.
A Civil Guard spokesman said on Monday before the autopsy: “This death does not appear to be linked to any crime, but the autopsy will be key to determining what happens next.”
A source close to the investigation said yesterday: ‘The injuries sustained by the tourist were not life-threatening and this investigation is not a murder or manslaughter investigation at this stage, nor do we expect it to become one.
‘But we are investigating the hours before his death because something happened that needs to be properly explained.
‘All indications are that this man was involved in some sort of altercation and was hit by a car in incidents that may or may not be related.
“There are still many unanswered questions that we must try to resolve.”
In tribute to the deceased, St Joseph’s AFC Waterford football club, where Mr Grant was head children’s coach, said on Monday: ‘It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden and shock passing of our much-loved club member and head children’s coach, Michael Grant.
‘As many of you know, Michael was more than just a manager to us – he was a dear friend and as a club and as his family we need time to process this devastating loss.’
The 45-year-old was found unconscious on the resort’s Calle Martin Ros, near the bustling Punta Ballena strip, after the alarm was raised at around 4.30am on Monday. Pictured: Tourists in Magaluf on Sunday evening
‘Michael was an integral part of our community and his absence will be deeply felt. He was not just a coach, but a mentor and friend to all the children and adults at St Joseph’s.
‘More recently, her dedication, passion and love for children was evident in everything she did. She cherished each and every one of them and I’m sure everyone will agree that her impact was immeasurable.
‘We extend our sincere condolences to Michael’s family: his wife Leanne, his 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 an important part of their lives and his loss is deeply personal to each of us.”
