An inquest has heard that the cause of death of a father-of-three who died after being restrained on a Jet2 flight remains unclear. Callum Kerr, 35, from Warrington, was on a flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Manchester on June 22 when an incident occurred.
Incident Details
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that Kerr was restrained after he allegedly assaulted a passenger and a cabin crew member. Coroner Zak Golombeck told Manchester Coroner's Court that Kerr had been drinking alcohol during the flight and had been informed by cabin crew that they would no longer serve him additional drinks.
A reported altercation then took place between Kerr and other passengers. As the plane prepared to land at Manchester, Kerr was asked to retake his seat but refused. He was restrained on the floor by passengers and a cabin crew member.
Police Involvement
A call to GMP was made, and the plane landed at 2:23 am. Four officers boarded at 2:41 am and applied handcuffs before noting Kerr was unresponsive. He was found restrained in a seated position leaning forward. Officers started CPR, and North West Ambulance Service took over at 2:50 am. Kerr was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital, where he died the following day, June 23.
Ongoing Investigations
A criminal investigation by police, a probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and an internal investigation by Jet2 are all ongoing. Coroner Golombeck stated he is still awaiting a final cause of death from a post-mortem examination, which will help determine next steps. A further hearing has been scheduled for February 8 next year.
Kerr's parents, Andrea and George, attended the hearing via videolink. His father said a police family liaison officer was keeping them informed. In a tribute, Kerr's loved ones described him as "a family man, father to three beautiful young children, a lover of sport and with a heart of gold."
Police previously said they were called to reports of a man behaving aggressively towards passengers and crew, during which another passenger and a cabin crew member were assaulted. The force referred itself to the IOPC due to police contact prior to death, not due to any indication of misconduct. GMP's Major Incident Team is investigating the circumstances on the flight before police arrival.
Jet2 expressed condolences and declined further comment due to ongoing investigations.
