An octogenarian was apprehended trying to board a flight with his deceased wife, causing a stir among airport personnel. The elderly man was stopped by security at Tenerife South Airport when they became suspicious of his wife’s condition. Startlingly, he informed the police that his wife had passed away at the airport shortly before their scheduled departure.
Observing that the woman, seated in a wheelchair, was unresponsive with a significantly low body temperature, staff at the airport’s security checkpoint flagged the situation. It wasn’t until a security guard realized the lack of response from the woman when he touched her hand that suspicions were raised, leading to the man’s arrest for further questioning.
Details of the incident were reported by Spanish newspaper Diario de Avisos, although specific dates, the airline involved, and the couple’s nationalities were not disclosed. Nonetheless, Tenerife Airport confirmed that the incident occurred several months ago.
According to reports, the man was pushing his wife in a wheelchair, giving the appearance of an elderly couple about to embark on a journey. However, upon closer inspection after passing through security, the guard sensed something was amiss.
An airport employee recounted that the guard approached the woman, and upon checking her, noticed the abnormally low temperature and absence of breathing. The supervisor was alerted immediately, prompting the activation of the emergency protocol with the arrival of numerous security personnel, Civil Guard members, and forensic experts.
Initial statements from the husband claimed his wife had died a few hours earlier within the airport premises. Nevertheless, some staff members alleged that the man tried to shift blame for the death onto the airport facilities. Authorities and airport officials are reportedly investigating this allegation.
The man has been taken into custody and is cooperating with authorities. An investigation has been launched into the incident, with the outcome regarding potential actions against the man currently uncertain.