A 20-year-old British tourist from Essex has been found dead at the bottom of a hotel lift shaft in Turkey, with reports indicating that some of his clothing had been removed. The tragic incident occurred while Tyler Kerry was on holiday in the popular destination of Antalya with his girlfriend and grandparents.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Tyler Kerry, from Basildon in Essex, was staying at accommodation in Antalya when his body was discovered in the lift shaft at 7am local time on November 29, 2024. He had been visiting the area with family members, including his girlfriend and grandparents, making the event particularly distressing for his loved ones.
Coroner's Investigation and Challenges
Essex area coroner Michelle Brown has described the investigation as "a complicated case", largely due to the lack of reciprocal arrangements between UK and Turkish authorities. This complexity has hindered the flow of information and cooperation, complicating efforts to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Mr Kerry's death.
At a pre-inquest review, relatives expressed fears that they might never receive all the answers about how Tyler came to die while on holiday. The family has been grappling with uncertainty and frustration as the investigation progresses.
Family and Friends' Perspectives
Tyler's grandmother, Collette Kerry, 57, from Pitsea in Basildon, attended the hearing with her husband, Ray. She stated that she was "happy" with how the review had proceeded and is now looking forward to the final inquest and obtaining a conclusion.
A family friend, Danielle Belton, 40, highlighted the challenges faced by the family, noting that Turkish authorities have concluded there was no third-party involvement in the death. However, she pointed to a "huge list of missing information" in the investigation, emphasising the difficulties in dealing with a foreign legal system that differs significantly from the UK's.
Legal and Procedural Aspects
Coroner Michelle Brown informed the hearing that she is aware a Turkish judge has ordered an inquiry into how Mr Kerry gained access to the lift shaft. She has set March 11 as the provisional date for the full inquest, which will rely on documentary evidence due to the international nature of the case.
Mr Kerry was repatriated to east London for the inquest, despite being an Essex resident. The coroner made "no criticism" of this decision, acknowledging the logistical complexities involved in such cross-border cases.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Steps
The family and their supporters continue to seek closure, with Ms Belton expressing a desire to close this chapter. The upcoming inquest in March aims to provide more clarity, though the lack of detailed information from Turkish authorities remains a significant hurdle.
This case underscores the challenges British families can face when dealing with tragedies abroad, particularly in jurisdictions with different legal and investigative frameworks. The community in Essex and beyond awaits further developments as the inquest date approaches.
