British man told he had died in Spain; impersonator used his identity for years
Aylesford man Nathan Blake was informed by police at his parents’ door that he was dead; investigators traced the death to an impersonator who used Blake’s name and passport for about three years.
Aylesford, Kent — Nathan Blake, a 35-year-old quantity surveyor who lives in the town, was in the bath when his mother called on August 15 to relay news that two officers had arrived at her home with information that he had died in Spain. He drove to his parents’ house to prove to the officers that he was alive.
The next day the British consulate informed him that an impersonator had used his name and passport number for roughly three years. The man had been arrested in Barcelona in 2022, reportedly with fake documents, and authorities say he used two aliases. When the impostor died, investigators found Blake’s identification on him. It remains unclear how the conman obtained Blake’s details, though investigators suspect a link to a Barcelona stag party he attended months earlier.
Blake then contacted the consulate, which confirmed the report and advised him to seek legal help. The family has started the process to clear his name and has been told to hire a Spanish lawyer to check for criminal records in the coming months.
Blake described the moment as shocking and surreal. He had just finished a bath when he received the call; he traveled to his parents’ home and questioned whether the officers were real. He said the police quickly acknowledged the mix-up and the distress it caused his family.
His partner, Holly West, posted about the incident on TikTok, drawing attention to the unusual case as it went viral. West has also launched a GoFundMe page to help cover Blake’s legal costs to resolve the matter. The couple said they have traveled to Spain since without any indication of a problem, but remain concerned about potential consequences for future travel and for Blake’s reputation.
Authorities have said the impersonator used two aliases for three years and likely relied on stolen personal information, possibly obtained during Blake’s earlier visit to Barcelona. The case underscores the risk of identity theft that can span national borders.
Officials said the matter is under review by Spanish authorities and that Blake’s name remains to be cleared. The British consulate said it would continue assisting and advising anyone who faces similar issues to contact local authorities, noting the ongoing effort to rectify Blake’s record.