Two Britons holidaying at same Bulgarian hotel killed by Legionnaires’ disease

TWO British holidaymakers have died from Legionnaires’ disease after staying at a Bulgarian hotel promoted by tour operator Jet2.

Brian Taylor, 75, and John Cowan, 43, were diagnosed with the severe form of pneumonia shortly after separate visits to the Hotel Kalofer in Sunny Beach earlier this year. Investigations were launched by Jet2 and lawyers acting for the victims’ families after the virus killed both men within weeks of their return to the UK.

Jet2 has transferred all customers from the hotel as a “precautionary measure”. Mr Taylor, from Huddersfield, was admitted to hospital with flulike symptoms days after he returned on June 17. He died in hospital a month later. Martin Farrell, Mr Taylor’s stepson, said: “It was awful to see him like that in the intensive care. It was a complete shock to us all.”

Mr Cowan, from Lanarkshire, was admitted to hospital in Clydebank after falling ill while holidaying from June 4 to 11. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and his family decided to switch off his life support after he suffered catastrophic brain damage on June 19.

The cause of death was given as septic shock and legionella pneumonia.

His younger brother, Barry, 41, said: “We just want answers – to know why this happened.” Jet2 said: “Two independent specialists were instructed to take samples from the hotel and a UKAS accredited laboratory conducted testing of the water samples for any contamination. The results of all their tests were negative. We will continue to assist the local authorities in their investigations as required.”