Briton removed from Türkiye’s Antalya flight found dead next day

A British man who was removed from a plane after an argument with his partner was later found dead in Antalya, Türkiye, a recent inquest has revealed.

Ben Crook, 32, from Abertridwr, Caerphilly, was traveling to Antalya with his partner and her two children to celebrate his birthday on Sept. 23. According to the Gwent Coroner’s Court, Crook had been drinking during the journey from his home to Bristol Airport and continued to consume alcohol on the flight.

Following a heated argument with his partner, Crook was escorted off the plane upon arrival in Türkiye. His last known location was Kaleici, Antalya’s historic old town, where he was seen before disappearing.

Phones smashed, contact severed

During the dispute, Crook reportedly smashed both his and his partner’s phones, leaving no way for others to reach him.

The following day, a body was discovered in the Selcuk area, roughly 2 kilometers from the family’s hotel.

Unanswered questions as post-mortem results awaited

Area Coroner Rose Farmer disclosed that an initial post-mortem examination was conducted in Antalya, but its results have yet to be shared. Crook’s father was informed of the body’s discovery on Oct. 4 and traveled to Türkiye to identify his son. According to court details, Crook’s body was found on rocky ground at the base of a drop at 6:20 p.m. on Sept. 24.

Cause of death believed to be from fall

BBC reports that Crook’s body was flown back to Wales, where a second post-mortem was conducted. Although the precise cause of death remains unknown, Coroner Farmer indicated that Crook appeared to have “fallen from a height and died from injuries likely sustained as a result of a fall.”

The inquest has been adjourned until a full hearing, set to take place on April 17 next year.