Family of British Holidaymaker Challenge Turkish Death Investigation as 'Flawed'
The family of a young British man who tragically died while on holiday in Turkey are mounting a legal challenge against what they describe as a "flawed" investigation into his death. An inquest hearing in Essex today heard detailed concerns about the probe conducted by Turkish authorities following the incident at an all-inclusive resort.
Tragic Discovery at Turkish Resort
Tyler Kerry, a 20-year-old furniture fitter from Pitsea in Essex, was found deceased at the bottom of a lift shaft in the Trendy Lara hotel in Kundu, near Antalya. The discovery was made in the early hours of November 29, 2024, with the young man dressed only in his socks and boxer shorts at the time he was declared dead.
His grandparents, Ray and Collette Kerry, who had raised him and were holidaying with him at the time, have consistently maintained their belief that he may have been murdered. This stands in direct contrast to the official Turkish ruling which found no evidence of third party involvement in his death.
Legal Challenges and International Complications
At today's pre-inquest hearing at Essex Coroner's Court, Area Coroner Michelle Brown confirmed that Turkish solicitors representing Tyler's family have been actively challenging the original ruling. Their appeal is specifically based on grounds of a flawed investigation, with the aim of forcing a fresh examination of the evidence in search of any potential foul play.
Danielle Belton, a family friend of the Kerrys, informed the hearing that this matter is now scheduled for consideration by Turkey's highest judicial body, the Constitutional Court. However, she noted that a hearing is unlikely to take place for approximately eighteen months, creating significant delays in the pursuit of answers.
Evidence Concerns and Suspicious Circumstances
The family's suspicions have been further heightened by several troubling details that emerged following Tyler's death. Most of the clothing he had been wearing was discovered away from his body, positioned next to his mobile phone and a bloodstained vape device.
Additional concerns arose when reports surfaced about another young guest at the same hotel who had allegedly been assaulted by security personnel in the basement area. Coroner Brown revealed today that a Turkish judge had subsequently ordered an investigation into how Tyler gained access to the lift shaft area.
This probe was intended to examine evidence from Tyler's mobile phone, review CCTV footage from the hotel premises, and analyse DNA recovered from beneath his fingernails. However, the coroner noted she had only received limited findings indicating that "the majority" of the recovered DNA belonged to Tyler himself.
Postponed Proceedings and Investigative Shortcomings
A full inquest into Tyler's death was originally scheduled for today but has been postponed due to alleged delays in Turkish authorities forwarding all necessary legal documentation. The hearing has been adjourned until March 11, with Coroner Brown emphasising her legal obligation to conduct proceedings as promptly as possible.
The case has been complicated by the absence of reciprocal legal arrangements between the United Kingdom and Turkey. Coroner Brown highlighted several investigative shortcomings, noting that certain items belonging to Tyler were not properly seized by police, potentially leading to contamination that rendered them useless as evidence.
Medical Examinations and Toxicology Results
Following his death, Tyler's body was initially returned to the jurisdiction of the East London coroner, despite his Essex origins. A post-mortem examination conducted by a pathologist acting for that coroner revealed that an earlier examination had already been performed in Turkey.
The UK pathologist determined the cause of death as multiple injuries and blunt force trauma but was unable to conduct toxicology tests because Tyler's body had been embalmed. Interestingly, the family commissioned their own post-mortem which concluded the cause of death was a traumatic head injury resulting from a fall from height.
Coroner Brown disclosed she had recently received toxicology results from Turkey, taken before embalming, which showed Tyler had 152 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. This reading is nearly double the United Kingdom's drink-driving limit of 80 milligrams.
Family's Determination for Answers
Both UK pathologists involved in the case found no indication of third party involvement in Tyler's death. The family had been represented by lawyer Michael Polak of the campaign group Justice Abroad, who was granted interested party status in the inquest, though he has since stated he is not acting for them in the UK proceedings.
Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Kerry expressed her anticipation for the full inquest, stating: "I am looking forward to the full inquest and getting a conclusion about what actually did happen." Her friend Ms Belton added outside the court: "We recognise that we are never going to get all the answers because we recognise we are dealing with the Turkish system that doesn't compare with ours."
She continued: "We want to continue trying to get to the bottom of what happened. The Turkish authorities concluded there was no third party involvement, but there was missing information which was grounds for appeal."
The case continues to highlight the challenges faced by British families seeking justice for loved ones who die abroad, particularly in countries with different legal systems and investigative procedures.
