Jet2 has released a fresh statement following the death of a father-of-three and boxer who died after being restrained by passengers on a flight to Manchester Airport. Callum Kerr, 35, from Warrington, boarded the plane with his girlfriend from Larnaca in Cyprus on June 21. Witnesses told the Manchester Evening News that he became 'disruptive' during the flight after allegedly consuming alcohol beforehand.
Incident on Board
Police reported that officers were summoned to Manchester Airport at 2.25am on Monday, 22 June, following reports of a man 'behaving aggressively towards passengers and crew'. It was reported that he had been restrained by other passengers before police entered the aircraft. Police entered the flight to find Mr Kerr 'being restrained by passengers and aircrew at the rear of the plane'.
The force stated that officers used handcuffs to detain him, but 'quickly identified he was unresponsive, through the provision of first aid'. CPR was initiated and he was transported to hospital, where he passed away on Tuesday afternoon (23 June).
Police Investigation
In an update issued on Thursday, Greater Manchester Police said it had made a compulsory referral to police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). In a statement, the force said two reports of an assault - on a passenger and a member of cabin crew - were made.
Jet2 has now released a fresh statement following the incident. A spokesperson said: "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."
Family Tribute
Mr Kerr has now been officially identified. In a statement released through police, his family said: "Callum was a family man, father to three beautiful young children, a lover of sport and with a heart of gold."
GMP said the IOPC was 'investigating the actions of our officers', while detectives from its Major Incident Team were examining the circumstances on the flight. Mr Kerr was not under arrest. No arrests have been made.
The police watchdog said its investigation would 'look at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved to understand the events surrounding the man's death'.
