Towie’s Elliott Wright has issued a statement following the death of a doorman at his restaurant.
The reality TV star, 43, has temporarily closed his Costa del Sol restaurant ‘out of respect’ after he was knocked unconscious when intervening in a fight.
Pardo was a father of two and died in the hospital on Sunday evening (April 15) from life-threatening injuries sustained in the altercation.
According to previous reports made by The Sun, the bouncer knocked his head trying to calm a fight that broke out between customers.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Elliott – whose cousin is – has now said he is ‘devastated’ by the the whole situation.
‘I am absolutely devastated at the loss of Jose – he was a dear friend, and colleague,’ he wrote.
‘The entire team are grieving a wonderful human being and I am supporting them.
‘The restaurant is currently closed whilst we deal with the shock of what happened this weekend.’
Reflecting on his relationship with his late pal, Elliott continued: ‘I have known Jose for over a decade – he has been a friendly face ever since I moved to Spain. Over time he became a great friend & colleague.
‘This will take me a long time to get over, if ever – he was a really good guy.
‘We are a family restaurant. We are proud of our reputation – working with great people, creating excellent food and a special atmosphere.’
Elliott added that they ‘do not allow bad behaviour’ and he ‘will not tolerate violence, aggression or rudeness to my brilliant staff.’
Explaining that he was there when Jose was taken to hospital, he added: ‘I stayed with Jose until the ambulance arrived. I’ve also been in constant contact with the family.’
He concluded by addressing recent graffiti, with locals branding him a ‘killer.’
‘Today, our restaurant has been vandalised which has left us, already shocked and grieving, in total disbelief,’ he penned.
‘We will not let this senseless vandalism distract us from remembering what a great man Jose was, and how special he was to the Olivia’s family.’
This wasn’t the first time the establishment had been a victim of vandalism, however, as it was set alight in 2021 following an arson attack on the building.
The case is still being investigated and no arrests have been made in connection with the reportedly intentional blaze.
Elliott first opened Olivia’s in 2015, forced to rebuild the eatery following damage from the fire.
The fire happened only five weeks after the star’s father – Edward George – died from Covid.
