Brit dies from asphyxiation after falling into narrow gap at a Benidorm hospital, sparking four-day search by his wife

A British man who was reported missing by his wife was found dead in a hospital in Benidorm.

The 54-year-old is said to have suffocated after becoming trapped in a gap filled with electrical cables between the veranda wall and the metal platform.

Police believe the stranger, named by well-placed sources as Pete Jackson, may have run into difficulties and been left ‘upside down’ with no way out after trying to recover personal belongings.

News of his death emerged last week when his wife, Shirley Ebbs, shared the news of the tragedy, but the harrowing details of how he lost his life only emerged today as local reports emerged highlighting the discovery of his body.

Following appeals for information about his whereabouts on February 11, Shirley said in a post on Facebook: ‘It is with sadness that I share an update about Pete Jackson. Pete was located but sadly he was found dead.’

A friend added: ‘Shirley Ebbs would like to thank everyone who helped with the search and offered support during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep Pete Jackson’s family in your thoughts and respect their privacy at this time.’

Reports at the time of his disappearance said Pete had been living and working in Benidorm for nearly three years and had been discharged from Benidorm hospital, where he was found dead on February 7 while still receiving medication.

Today, respected Costa Blanca newspaper Informacion said Mr Jackson was found on hospital premises despite reports that he was seen leaving the hospital.

Mr Jackson’s body was found tucked away inside hospital facilities at a hospital in Benidorm. Pictured: Benidorm’s coastline

A missing poster posted online before his body was found read: ‘Pete was last seen leaving IMED Levante Hospital in Benidorm and heading home.

‘We have not yet been able to determine from the police which direction he went when he left the hospital.

‘He was quite weak and confused. This is completely out of character for Peter and he has never been disconnected from his family.’

Although police initially believed he may have died from electrocution because he became trapped near the wires, an autopsy showed he drowned.

Local media reported that his wife came to the hospital where he was sick after finishing work and became alarmed when she learned that he was not in her room.

An initial search of the hospital found no sign of his whereabouts before his body was found on the sixth floor of the hospital.