Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

John Pender Suicide or Survive
Costa del Sol

Irish man who was fatally stabbed in Spain named as 53 year-old charity worker John Pender

A British man has been arrested over the incident.

AN IRISH MAN who was fatally stabbed at a pub in the Costa del Sol in Spain yesterday has been named as 53 year-old John Pender.

He was a facilitator and mentor with the Dublin-based mental health charity Suicide or Survive, of which his wife, Caroline McGuigan, is the CEO and founder.

The deceased is understood to have been with his wife and another Irish couple at a local Irish bar when the incident happened.

In a statement yesterday evening, the board of the charity said it deeply regretted the loss of their “beautiful friend and colleague”.

“John’s sudden and tragic death has shocked us all and the loss of his huge presence leaves an immense void in our lives,” it read.

In a biography of him on the charity’s website, John said he had a “passionate belief that given the right environment people can take back control of their own lives”, and he dedicated his life to removing the stigma surrounding mental health.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson told TheJournal.ie yestrerday that it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance to the family of the deceased.

Local police said in a statement yesterday that a 49 year-old British national was arrested at the scene, after attempting to flee following the incident.

Police also said that the victim and his attacker did not know each other.

With reporting from Gerard Couzens.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
15
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel