A Jet2 passenger has described the terrifying scenes onboard a flight to Manchester Airport before a man died after being restrained, with her mother believing he was going to kill someone.
Flight from Larnaca Turns Chaotic
The woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Callum Kerr allegedly punched overhead lockers, banged on the cockpit door, and threatened fellow travellers during the flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, on June 21. She recalled children screaming as the aggressive passenger's behaviour escalated. Callum, from Warrington, was travelling with his girlfriend.
Witnesses said Callum appeared to be significantly intoxicated, shouting and swearing. The woman reported that about an hour into the flight, he became abusive. After a flight attendant asked his girlfriend if she was okay, he became aggressive and started swearing. He then took beers from trolleys and drank a Jack Daniels from duty free.
Escalation and Restraint
The man began hitting overhead cabins and shouting that he would batter anyone on the plane. He told passengers to search his name. Air stewards tried to separate him from his girlfriend by taking her to the back of the plane, but he continued shouting and asking where she was. The pilot announced that the disruptive passenger would be prosecuted upon landing, but that made matters worse.
Callum then went to the front of the plane and banged on the cockpit door, then spat at a male steward. About 10-15 minutes from landing, he got up and headbutted a passenger without provocation. Several passengers and a steward restrained him on the ground. After the headbutt, he went silent, creating an eerie quiet after hours of shouting.
Police Response and Death
Greater Manchester Police officers boarded the plane after it landed at Manchester Airport around 2:25 am on June 22. They found Callum restrained and not breathing. Officers performed CPR and used a defibrillator before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.
The passenger said passengers were kept on the plane for about an hour and a half to give statements. She and her mother never want to fly again, describing how children were screaming and her mother was terrified that Callum would kill someone.
Tributes and Investigation
Tributes have been paid on social media, with friends expressing shock and sadness. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed an investigation is underway, stating that the man had been aggressive and disruptive towards passengers and crew. Jet2 also confirmed the incident and said it would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
