Spanish authorities have ruled the death of British holidaymaker Nathan Osman in the Benidorm area "likely accidental," a determination that his family says closes the investigation without answering key questions about how he died.
Osman, who was found dead at the foot of a cliff less than 24 hours after arriving in Spain with friends, has left relatives demanding further inquiries. In a letter from investigators, the family said they were told that "all paths of evidence have been closed." His brother, Lee Evans, said the family would not give up seeking an explanation and that his brother "hasn't been given any thought or justice."
Spanish police re-opened the case in May but later concluded again that there was insufficient evidence to pursue further lines of inquiry, according to the family. Evans said the conclusions reached by investigators were based on "an overview and assumptions and no hard facts," and accused authorities of carrying out "zero investigation on their part." The family say they have been provided with the report that closes the case.
Relatives believe Osman was abducted while walking alone to his hotel, robbed and taken to the remote area where his body was found. They told reporters there were attempts to use his bank card after his death and that his movements in the resort would have been caught by CCTV, which they say has not been adequately examined. The family has also been in touch with other families whose relatives have died abroad under similar circumstances.
Osman, described by his family as devoted to them, was on holiday with friends at the time of his death. The exact timeline of events leading to his death has not been publicly detailed by Spanish authorities.
The approaching anniversary of Osman's death has increased the family's frustration. Evans said the period will be hard for the whole family and that they feel "we've been abandoned — we need help." He said the family intends to pursue further legal avenues to seek clarity about what happened and to challenge the investigators' findings.
Spanish police and the civil authorities in the Benidorm area did not immediately respond to requests for comment through the family. The case highlights recurring tensions when British nationals die abroad and relatives press for more extensive investigations at local level.
Consular services at the British embassy and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provide guidance and support to families in such cases, but legal and investigative jurisdiction rests with Spanish authorities. Families of deceased tourists have in other instances sought independent legal action or campaigned to reopen inquests or criminal investigations when they believe local inquiries have been insufficient.
Evans said the family will continue to push for answers and is considering all available options, including legal challenges, to ensure the circumstances of Nathan Osman's death are fully established. The family has asked anyone with information to come forward as they prepare for the anniversary of his death.