A British man was tragically found dead after being escorted off a plane following a drunken altercation with his partner, an inquest has revealed. Ben Crook, 32, had been consuming alcohol before and during the flight to Turkey for a birthday celebration. The couple argued during the journey, leading to security escorting Ben off the plane after he broke both of their phones, making it impossible to contact him. Ben was last seen in Kaleiçi, Antalya, before he disappeared, prompting a search operation. His body was discovered the next day, which coincidentally was his birthday, at the bottom of a drop about 0.6 miles from where his partner and her children were staying.
A post-mortem examination was conducted in Turkey, but the results are still pending. Ben, from Abertridwr in Caerphilly, was identified by his father who travelled to Turkey after the discovery. A second post-mortem in Wales indicated that Ben had likely fallen from a height, resulting in fatal injuries. The inquest has been adjourned for a full hearing scheduled for April 17 next year. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) stated they are assisting Ben’s family and are in contact with local authorities regarding the incident.
A fundraising appeal has been set up in memory of Ben, raising nearly £14,000 to support his family. The appeal described Ben as a charismatic individual with a contagious smile and a great sense of humour, leaving behind cherished memories. The inquest into Ben’s death is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge in the coming months.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the consequences it can have on individuals and their loved ones. It is essential to exercise caution and moderation when consuming alcohol, particularly in unfamiliar or high-risk situations like travelling. Our thoughts are with Ben’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.