A Jet2 flight from Cyprus to Manchester turned into a harrowing scene when Callum Kerr, 35, became violent towards another passenger and cabin crew in the early hours of Monday morning. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he was restrained by fellow travellers before Greater Manchester Police (GMP) took control upon landing at Manchester Airport.
According to eyewitnesses, Mr Kerr's behaviour had been increasingly erratic as the flight approached its destination. He allegedly assaulted a member of staff and another passenger, prompting police intervention after the aircraft landed. GMP officers detained him with handcuffs but were quickly alerted that he had become unresponsive. In response, they immediately administered CPR before transporting him to hospital.
Tragically, Mr Kerr passed away on Tuesday. Known for his involvement in bare-knuckle fighting, loved ones have paid tribute to him as a devoted family man, father of three, and sports enthusiast with an affectionate nature. An investigation into the events surrounding his death has been launched, and Greater Manchester Police has made a standard referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) given that officers had prior contact with Mr Kerr.
The incident raises pressing concerns about passenger safety on flights and the protocols airlines follow in dealing with difficult behaviour. While such situations are rare, they pose significant challenges for everyone involved, from passengers to crew members. The ongoing investigation aims to provide a clear account of events leading up to Mr Kerr's death and determine its cause.