Love Island’s Jack Fowler burst into tears as he paid tribute to his late friend Kevin Smith in a moving Instagram video on Thursday.
Kevin, 35, is thought to have been practising underwater photography with a friend in Punta Galera, a cove near the popular resort of San Antonio, on Wednesday evening when he drowned.
Devastated Jack shared a video saying: ‘I feel broken hearted with knowing your not here anymore Kev.
Heartbreaking: Love Island’s Jack Fowler burst into tears as he paid tribute to his late friend Kevin Smith in a moving Instagram video on Thursday
‘I remember when I first met you I knew you were going to be in my life for a long time. I told you many times that people like you are so rare to find and that anyone who met you or had you in their life was extremely lucky.
‘We have so many memories together that I honestly will cherish for rest of my life.
‘I love you bro and I feel completely empty inside knowing I’m not going to see your piercing blue eyes, infectious smile or hear you contagious laugh anymore. im so sorry that it’s happened like this. I really love you bro and I miss you so much already.’
When Kevin came into difficulty, his friend raised the alarm around 6.15pm before police and paramedics pulled the man from the water, but were unable to save his life.
His family have launched a fundraiser to help bring his body back to the UK.
Kevin Smith, 35, (pictured) is thought to have been practising underwater photography with a friend in Punta Galera, a cove near the popular resort of San Antonio, on Wednesday evening when he got into difficulty
A 35-year-old British man was pulled unconscious from the ocean at Punta Galera, a cove in Ibiza, around 6.15pm on Wednesday after practising underwater photography
The cove where Mr Smith was found has rock platforms popular for cliff jumping and sunset viewing as well as snorkelling.
The Essex-born expat is believed to have been taking underwater pictures when he got into difficulties.
Ibiza-based friend Nick Barlow described the dedicated sportsman, thought to have worked as a personal trainer, as an ‘action man’ in a Facebook tribute after learning of his death.
Morgan Brazier, who launched a Gofundme appeal earlier today which surpassed its £20,000 goal in just five hours, said: ‘I think I speak for us all when I say that we are heartbroken to of heard the news that our good friend Kevin sadly lost his life in a tragic snorkelling accident yesterday.
‘Kevin has had so many mental and physical battles whilst always on the search to live his dream life.
The Essex-born expat, pictured above, is believed to have been taking underwater pictures when he got into difficulties
‘After nearly two years of moving to Ibiza, grinding through each lockdown, he finally was able to live his dream and enjoy his hiking, snorkelling, chasing the sunsets and discovering new locations.
‘He was so open and friendly with a very strong moral compass. He was an inspiration and loved by so many.
‘With the travel restrictions that are in place, there are complications with his family going to get him and bringing him home.
‘This is why we have set up this go fund me so we can help his family bring him home as soon as physically possible, privately if we are able to.’
One well-wisher donated a staggering £1,500 and three others made four-figure donations.
Scott Neilson said: ‘Love you Kev. You will be truly missed by so many people. Words can’t even describe the feelings at the moment. Your never be forgotten mate and your get 1 hell of a send off! Love ya mate.’
Ibiza-based friend Nick Barlow described the dedicated sportsman, thought to have worked as a personal trainer, as an ‘action man’ in a Facebook tribute after learning of his death. Mr Smith is pictured above
Tom Stevens added: ‘No words to describe the happiest & funniest people I knew. Not to mention one of my best friends. I love you mate thinking of you always.’
Travel reviews describe Punta Galera as an old stone quarry next to the sea which is away from tourist crowds but popular with nudists.
One adds: ‘It is little visited, among other things because there is neither a bar nor sand.
‘However, it is easy to jump into the water as the depth is more than two metres, apart from a few places where you can get out over shallower submerged rocks.’
The quiet spot is reached by taking the road from San Antonio to Santa Agnes and turning off towards the sea before the beautiful bay called Cala Salada,