Irish Father-of-Three Joseph McManus Dies Suddenly on Holiday in Benidorm

A 42-year-old father-of-three, Joseph McManus, tragically died just hours after arriving in Benidorm, Spain, for a last-minute holiday with friends.

Joseph, from Dingle, Ireland, had landed at the Costa Blanca resort earlier on Friday, May 3, 2025. He had joined the trip at the last moment after others dropped out. Sadly, only hours later, he collapsed near the beach on the popular Benidorm strip. Despite emergency efforts, Joseph was pronounced dead the same day, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Joseph worked for DHL at Jaguar Land Rover and was well-known in his community. Friends described him as full of life and always smiling.

His close friend, Lee Beck, spoke to reporters about the heartbreaking loss. “Everyone loved Joseph. He was always smiling and was a big entertainer,” Lee said.

“He loved all his kids, his partner Leanne, and his family. He was football mad. He was a happy-go-lucky guy. He was kind and caring and always stopped to ask people how they were. He was a brilliant dad and doted on his children.”

Joseph’s sudden death has left his family in deep shock. “His mum is still waiting for a WhatsApp message from him,” Lee shared. “She keeps saying it’s not real. His sisters are devastated. They’re all going through it.”

Joseph and Lee had been friends since nursery school. Now, the family and community are raising funds to bring Joseph’s body home to Ireland. A GoFundMe campaign started by Lucas Beck has already raised over £10,000.

“Everyone loved this lad. He was a legend,” Lucas wrote on the fundraiser page. “Let’s help his family and get him home.”