A widow is warning of the dangers of Salmonella after an inquest concluded her husband died of food poisoning contracted while on holiday.
Leslie Green, from Bolton in England, fell ill during the second week of a holiday at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura in October 2024.
He was seen by the in-resort doctor and taken by ambulance to a clinic to get fluids. His condition did not improve and he was admitted to a hospital the following day.
The 70-year-old went to the hospital with symptoms including diarrhea, which led to dehydration. He was diagnosed with Salmonella, but developed sepsis, a condition where the body attacks itself in response to an infection.
Leslie was placed in an induced coma, but doctors said there was nothing more they could do for him. He died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on Nov. 4.
The retired Manchester Evening News delivery driver died in the hospital in Fuerteventura from multi-organ failure, because of sepsis, caused by Salmonella, four weeks after falling ill.
Leslie’s wife of 38 years, Julie, also fell sick and spent one week in the hospital.
Undercooked chicken
An inquest at Rochdale Coroner’s Court found Leslie died from an illness he contracted because of eating partially cooked chicken. Julie told the court that she and Leslie had only eaten in the hotel during their holiday.
“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and trying to come to terms with Leslie’s death. He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same,” said Julie.
“I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn’t come home. Leslie was the head of our family and someone everyone looked to for help and guidance. There’s now a gaping hole in our family that can never be filled.
“Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honor Leslie’s memory. I just hope that by speaking out I can prevent anyone else suffering like Leslie did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
Following her husband’s death, Julie asked specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.
Jennifer Hodgson, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie, said the family had several concerns about how Leslie became infected.
“Sadly, the inquest has validated their concerns, hearing worrying evidence. What happened to Leslie vividly highlights the impact of Salmonella and why it, and other gastric illnesses, should never be downplayed,” she said.
“While nothing can make up for the ordeal Julie and her family have been through, it’s now vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene for other holidaymakers in the future.”
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