Nathan Osman, 30, from Pontypridd in South Wales. Credit: Facebook
The family of a father-of-four who died during a holiday in Benidorm say new evidence has strengthened their belief that foul play was involved in his death.
Tragic discovery on remote cliff
Nathan Osman, 30, from Pontypridd in South Wales, was on a long weekend trip with friends in the Spanish resort in September 2024. Less than 24 hours after arriving, his body was discovered at the bottom of a remote 200-metre cliff on the outskirts of Benidorm by an off-duty police officer.
Post-mortem confirms fatal injuries
A post-mortem confirmed Nathan had died from head and abdominal injuries sustained in a fall from height. Local authorities initially described the tragedy as an accident, stating it occurred after Nathan left his friends to walk back to his hotel alone.
Family questions official investigation
However, his family have repeatedly questioned the official investigation, insisting that the possibility of homicide has never been properly considered.
Suspicious location sparks concern
Their suspicions were first raised by the remote location where Nathan was found, which was not on the route to his hotel and was a considerable distance on foot. Determined to uncover the truth, the family began their own investigation, piecing together a timeline using CCTV, witness statements, and Nathan’s bank records. The records suggested attempts had been made to use his bank cards the day after his death.
Case reopened after family evidence
Following these discoveries, the family presented their findings to Spanish prosecutors, prompting the case to be reopened earlier this year.
Phone data challenges official story
Speaking to Sarah-Jane Mee on The UK Tonight, the family revealed that new phone data suggests Nathan could not have reached the cliff on foot. After retrieving his phone a few months ago, they tracked his final movements using a health app that records detailed metrics every ten minutes, including distance and pace.
Brother insists Nathan was in a vehicle
“His pace wasn’t consistent with a fast walk or even a sprint,” Nathan’s brother, Lee Evans, explained. “The data suggests a faster journey, even though he would have been going uphill for 40 minutes. That convinced us he must have been in a vehicle.”
Family visits remote cliff
The family also visited the cliff area themselves. “We were a bit upset, but pleased we went,” Nathan’s mother, Elizabeth Osman, said. “It was obvious there’s no way he would have chosen to go up there. There are no clubs, no hotels, just a few scattered houses. It’s completely isolated.”
Timeline shows short window before death
According to the family, the phone data indicates Nathan died around half an hour after CCTV footage last showed him walking towards his hotel in the early hours of the morning. “It’s ridiculous to think my son would have walked up there at 4am in pitch darkness,” Elizabeth added.
South Wales Police launch investigation
Following the family’s interview with Mee in May, South Wales Police launched their own investigation into Nathan’s death. Lee said the force was “appalled” at the lack of evidence handed over by local Spanish authorities.
Parents criticise Spanish investigation
“Procedures weren’t followed. Nothing was cordoned off, it wasn’t treated as a crime scene,” Nathan’s father, Jonathan Osman, said. “Potential evidence like tyre tracks, footprints, DNA – nothing was collected.”
Family forced to investigate themselves
Lee added: “Everything we’ve done over the past year could have been resolved in the first week or two. We’ve had to dig through every possible lead ourselves, starting with no direction or support.”
Missed CCTV opportunities
The family say they have now identified 27 CCTV cameras in the area that could have captured Nathan’s movements, after local investigators reportedly failed to locate any. Elizabeth said Spanish police claimed much of the footage “wouldn’t be working” or had already been erased. Despite this, the family remain hopeful.
Hope remains for finding a vehicle
“There’s still a number of CCTV cameras that might reveal a vehicle involved,” Lee said. “We believe there’s a way of finding out if someone else was responsible.”
Time may have lost crucial evidence
The Osman family admit time lost in the initial investigation may mean they never discover who was responsible for Nathan’s death. Yet they remain determined. “Nathan walks with us every day. That’s how much he’s part of our lives,” Elizabeth said. “All we want is to find those responsible and for him to have the respect of a proper investigation.”
Authorities remain silent
Spanish police declined to comment, citing the ongoing judicial review of the case. South Wales Police told Sky News: “South Wales Police is carrying out enquiries on behalf of HM Coroner and a family liaison officer has been appointed to provide support.”
Family fight for justice continues
The Osman’s fight for justice continues, highlighting concerns over how foreign authorities handle the deaths of British nationals abroad and the lengths families must go to uncover the truth.