An inquest revealed that the circumstances surrounding the death of a father-of-three who passed away following restraint on a Jet2 flight during an in-flight “altercation” are still unclear.
Callum Kerr, aged 35, was involved in an incident on a flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Manchester on June 22. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that Kerr was restrained after allegedly assaulting a passenger and a cabin crew member.
Kerr, accompanied by his partner, had consumed alcohol during the flight, as stated by Coroner Zak Golombeck. The cabin crew had informed him that they would no longer serve him drinks.
According to Manchester Evening News, an altercation occurred between Kerr and other passengers as the flight was approaching Manchester. Despite being asked to return to his seat, Kerr refused, leading to his restraint by passengers and a crew member on the floor.
Upon landing, GMP officers boarded the plane and found Kerr unresponsive while restrained in a seated position. CPR was initiated, and Kerr was transported to Wythenshawe Hospital, where he succumbed to his condition the next day.
Ongoing investigations include a criminal probe by the police, an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and an internal examination by Jet2. The coroner is awaiting the final cause of death to progress further, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for February 8 next year.
Kerr’s parents attended the hearing virtually, where they were updated by a police liaison officer. In a tribute, Kerr was described as a family-oriented individual, a father to three children, and a sports enthusiast with a kind heart.
Authorities revealed that the police were alerted to a man exhibiting aggressive behavior towards passengers and crew on the flight. GMP is investigating the circumstances preceding their arrival, while the IOPC is evaluating the officers’ actions leading up to the incident.
Jet2 extended condolences to Kerr’s family and refrained from further comments as investigations continue.