An octogenarian was apprehended for 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 due to suspicions surrounding his wife’s condition. Startlingly, he informed authorities that his wife had passed away at the airport shortly before their scheduled departure.
Observing that the woman in a wheelchair was unresponsive with a notably low body temperature, staff at the airport’s security checkpoint became alert. It was only when a security guard realized the woman did not react when her hand was shaken that doubts arose, leading to the man’s arrest for further investigation.
Details of the incident were reported by Spanish newspaper Diario de Avisos, withholding specifics such as the date, airline, or the couple’s nationalities. Nonetheless, Tenerife Airport confirmed that the event occurred several months ago.
A witness at the airport mentioned, “The man was pushing the wheelchair with his wife seated in it, appearing as an elderly couple about to embark. However, upon closer inspection after passing through security, the guard sensed something was amiss.”
An airport employee recounted, “The guard approached the woman, and the man handed over the wheelchair. Upon touching her, the guard noticed the woman’s abnormally low temperature and lack of breathing.”
Initial statements from the husband suggest his wife had passed away a few hours earlier within the airport premises. Nevertheless, some staff members reportedly believe the man tried to shift blame for the death onto the airport facilities, prompting authorities and airport officials to investigate the allegation.
The man has been taken into custody and is cooperating with authorities. An inquiry into the incident has been launched, with uncertainties prevailing on whether any legal actions will be pursued against him.