British man, 88, dies after intervening in mugging of wife in Tenerife

British pensioner Ray Cowen, 88, dies in Tenerife after confronting thieves who attacked his wife, leading to severe injuries from the incident.

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British man, 88, dies after intervening in mugging of wife in Tenerife

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Ray Cowen, an 88-year-old British pensioner from Blackpool, died after being injured while attempting to stop thieves from mugging his wife in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, on June 17. The suspects have been arrested, with one man remanded in custody following an appearance in court.

A formal investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Ray Cowen’s death. Three suspects have been arrested, with one already remanded in custody, while concerns about the rising incidence of violent muggings in Los Cristianos have been raised by local expats.

The Spanish authorities have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ray Cowen’s death, with three individuals arrested, including one with a history of similar offences. Local residents have voiced increasing concerns over a spate of violent muggings in the area, with one expat remarking it was the fourth such incident in recent months.

What remains unclear — The specific circumstances leading to Ray Cowen’s fatal injuries during the robbery are yet to be fully determined.

British man, 88, dies after intervening in mugging of wife in Tenerife

Sandy beach Playa de Las Vistas, Los Christianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province, Tenerife, Spain. (Photo by: Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Ray Cowen, died as he tried to fight off two thieves trying to snatch his watch outside his holiday apartment in Los Cristianos (Picture: Universal Images Group Editorial Getty)

A British pensioner has been killed in Tenerife while trying to stop his wife being mugged.

Ray Cowen, 88, originally from Blackpool, fought with thieves after they stole his 79-year-old wife Judy’s handbag and tried to take his watch on June 17.

He was pushed into a stationary car outside their holiday home in Los Cristianos, suffering serious head injuries.

He was taken to hospital after being revived at the scene, but died two days later. The attack happened just days after he celebrated his 88th birthday at the nearby Big Ben pub.

Three people have been arrested since the robbery, including a man known to police for similar crimes.

The suspect alleged to have been responsible for Ray’s fatal injuries has been remanded in custody after appearing in court.

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**ALL ROUND PICTURES FROM SOLARPIX.COM** **UK ONLINE USAGE FEE PER PIC 1st ?40.00,2nd ?20,00 INCLUDING VIDEO GRABS. - NO PRICE CAP - VIDEO FEES AT STANDARD RATES** **FULL COPY BY GERARD COUZENS -TEL: +34 659 567 821** JOB REF: 23480 ASA/GC/SM DATE:22.06.2026 Caption: A BRITISH man has died after being mugged in a holiday resort in Tenerife. The victim had been fighting for his life in hospital following the violent attack in Los Cristianos in the south of the island last Wednesday. And overnight it emerged the elderly man, who was with his wife when he was targeted, had passed away in hospital. Flowers have been left for the Brit, identified so far only by his first name Ray, outside the apartment block where the mugging took place as tributes were paid to him online. This pic:Flowers played at the scene of Ray?s stabbing *SOLARPIX COPYRIGHT WAVER NOTICE** The above fees are for the suppling these internet/web sourced images & videos only and Solarpix accept no responsibility for any breach of copyright, the use of images supplied and the publication of images is solely at your discretion.**All queries email to alert@solarpix.com or call : +34 609568865
Flowers have been left for Ray outside the apartment block where the mugging took place
(Picture: Solarpix)

The other two, one aged 36 and the other in their 20s, were released on bail.

A floral tribute left outside their Victoria Court apartment said: ‘RIP Ray, We Will Miss You.’

Expats in the area have expressed concern about the growing number of violent muggings.

Stephen Fox wrote: ‘Sad state of affairs. Fourth incident that I know of in this exact same area in the last three months.”

‘I witnessed a woman in a wheelchair in her 80s getting her chain ripped off her at 3pm.’

Another Brit said: ‘This isn’t the first time it’s happened. RIP Ray. Thinking about you Judy and sending hugs.’

A friend said: ‘I met that man two weeks ago in Big Ben. He was celebrating his birthday with his wife and having a great time. Such a lovely man. Can’t believe this happened. Rest in peace.’

A formal investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding Ray’s death.

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