Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Grim Reaper Hospital Roof Stunt Ends in Arrest in Wales
A man in Wales dressed up like the Grim Reaper, the scary make-believe character with a dark hood and a long blade.
He climbed onto the roof of a hospital and stood right above the main entrance.
He looked down at the patients, visitors and workers below without moving.
People at the hospital were surprised and worried, so they called the police.
Police and firefighters came to the hospital to deal with the situation.
The man stayed on the roof for about 50 minutes before he was arrested.
In court, he said he was guilty of causing a disturbance at the hospital.
He was told to pay a fine.
His costume looked a lot like a big black crow.
Nobody knows why he did it, because no explanation was given in court.
Leon Gillespie, 26, climbed onto the roof of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in Wales dressed as the Grim Reaper.
He wore an all-black hooded outfit that a court described as resembling a 'crow' and carried what appeared to be a long blade.
Witnesses said he stood motionless above the hospital entrance, looking down at patients, visitors and staff.
The stunt lasted around 50 minutes before North Wales Police and firefighters responded and arrested him.
Gillespie pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises without a reasonable excuse and was fined.
- Who
- Leon Gillespie, a 26-year-old man from Deganwy, Wales
- What
- Climbed onto a hospital roof dressed as the Grim Reaper, stared down at people for about 50 minutes, and was arrested and fined
- When
- On June 6
- Where
- Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in St Asaph, Denbighshire, Wales, UK
- Why
- No explanation was given for why Gillespie dressed as the Grim Reaper and climbed onto the hospital roof
- Suspect
- Leon Gillespie, 26, from Deganwy, Wales
- Location
- Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital, St Asaph, Denbighshire, Wales, UK
- Date of Incident
- June 6
- Duration
- Around 50 minutes
- Costume
- All-black hooded outfit resembling a 'crow'; carried a long blade
- Charge
- Causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises without a reasonable excuse
- Court Outcome
- Pleaded guilty and was fined
- Hospital Operator
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, with a 'zero tolerance approach' to disruptive behaviour