An inquest has revealed that the circumstances surrounding the death of a father-of-three who passed away after being restrained on a Jet2 flight following an in-flight “altercation” remain unclear.

The incident involving 35-year-old Callum Kerr occurred during a flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Manchester on June 22. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that Kerr was restrained after allegedly assaulting a fellow passenger and a member of the cabin crew.

According to coroner Zak Golombeck, Kerr, who was accompanied by his partner, had been consuming alcohol during the flight. The cabin crew had informed him that they would no longer serve him drinks. An altercation reportedly unfolded between Kerr and one or more passengers, leading to him refusing to return to his seat as the plane was preparing to land at Manchester.

Kerr, a bareknuckle boxer and cage fighter, was subdued on the floor by passengers and a cabin crew member before GMP was contacted. The plane landed at 2.23am, with officers boarding at 2.41am. Despite applying handcuffs, Kerr was unresponsive and found restrained in a seated position leaning forward.

CPR was initiated by the officers and the North West Ambulance Service was called to the scene. Kerr was then transported to Wythenshawe Hospital, where he tragically passed away on June 23.

Multiple investigations are ongoing, including a criminal probe by the police, an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and an internal investigation by Jet2. The final cause of death is still pending, which will guide the next steps in the process. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for February 8 next year.

Kerr’s parents attended the hearing via videolink, where they were offered condolences by the coroner. In a tribute released earlier, Kerr’s family described him as a devoted family man and sports enthusiast.

The police had been summoned to reports of aggressive behavior by Kerr towards passengers and crew during the flight, resulting in assaults on a passenger and a cabin crew member. The force referred the incident to the IOPC, not due to officer misconduct but as a standard procedure when coming into contact with an individual who subsequently dies.

GMP’s Major Incident Team is investigating the circumstances preceding the police’s involvement on the flight. The IOPC will scrutinize the officers’ actions and decision-making leading up to Kerr’s death.

Jet2 expressed condolences to Kerr’s family and friends, refraining from further comments as investigations progress.