Jet2 has issued a statement following the death of Callum Kerr, a 30-year-old father of three from Warrington, who died after an incident on a flight to Manchester Airport. Mr Kerr boarded the flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, with his girlfriend on June 21. Passengers reported he became disruptive after reportedly drinking heavily before the flight.
Incident on board
Police were called to an alleged assault on the flight after Mr Kerr reportedly became aggressive. When the plane landed at Manchester Airport in the early hours of June 22, officers boarded and found that fellow passengers had restrained Mr Kerr. Videos and pictures shared online showed police boarding the aircraft and discovering Mr Kerr was not breathing. Officers immediately performed CPR and requested a defibrillator. Mr Kerr was taken to hospital, where he died on June 23.
Jet2 statement
Jet2 said in a statement: "We are aware that a customer has sadly passed away, having been taken to hospital earlier this week. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the customer’s friends and family. As investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this time."
Police and IOPC investigations
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). GMP said two reports of assault—on a passenger and a cabin crew member—were made. Mr Kerr was not under arrest, and no arrests have been made. The IOPC said its investigation would "look at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved to understand the events surrounding the man's death."
Family tribute
In a statement issued through police, Mr Kerr's family said: "Callum was a family man, father to three beautiful young children, a lover of sport and with a heart of gold." Mr Kerr, a professional bareknuckle boxer, has been remembered on social media. One tribute read: "Can’t believe I’m writing this, RIP Callum Kerr." Another said: "God bless mate, we’ll catch up again."
