Distressing details about the final moments of British tourist Jack Fenton who was killed in Greece by a helicopter propeller have been released by investigators. The 22-year-old died in Athens after returning to the Greek mainland after a family holiday on the island of Mykonos.
There had been reports that he died while trying to take a selfie, but an air accident investigator has said he was not trying to take a photo of himself. However, tothe investigator revealed the details leading up to the young man's death, saying that he didn't actually try to take a snap of himself.
Earlier reports had suggested he had been returning towards the helicopter with a phone to his ear, the Daily Star reported. Athens accident investigation chief Ioannis Kondylis said: "From the testimonies we have collected, it does not appear from anywhere that the young man wanted to take a selfie.
"What is reported is that the 22-year-old was holding a mobile phone and had it to his ear, but it has not yet been clarified whether he was talking.”
Kondylis went on: "We have taken statements from both the pilot and the two ground staff. These are testimonies that must then be cross-referenced.
"According to them, it appears that all the regulations stipulated by the helicopter's manual were observed. One ground employee went to the left door, one to the right, they disembarked and escorted them 20 metres to the building.
“Then one stayed with them and the other ground attendant returned to the helicopter. The young passenger, unknown for what reason, returned to the helicopter.
"We don't know why he came back. He didn't say anything to anyone. According to the testimonies, he was holding a mobile phone which he had to his ear, without us knowing if he was talking to someone.
"When one of the ground staff saw him walking towards the helicopter he shouted loudly in English 'stop, stop, stop' but he didn't listen.
"The ground staff's voices were also heard by the captain who was inside the helicopter and was wearing headphones. So they shouted out loud.
“The young man, according to the statements, had exited through the right door and did not head back to his seat. He went under the tail section of the helicopter and ended up on the left side where he was hit by the rotor, which at the speed it was turning was not visible.”
Mr Fenton was said to have been travelling with friends and was returning to Athens from Mykonos on the Bell 407 helicopter when the incident happened. Mr Fenton’s mother Victoria described her son as “wonderful” and said that the family were “devastated”.
She told the MailOnline: “We only found out what happened at 10pm last night. We are completely devastated. He was the most wonderful boy. I think the pilot is in custody, but it was the most horrible of accidents by the looks of it.”
She added that Mr Fenton had exited the helicopter safely after it landed, but went behind it and was killed instantly by the rear propeller. Three people, including a pilot, have reportedly been arrested in connection with his death.
Mr Fenton, reported to have studied at Oxford Brookes University, was described as “very popular” by the headteacher of his former school in Maidstone, Kent.
James Thomas, headmaster of Sutton Valence School, said: “Our school was very sad to hear the tragic news about Jack... He was a very popular member of the community, and we have sent our condolences to the family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the incident.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.”
A statement from Mr Fenton’s employer, social media agency Ball Street Network in London, to the BBC said: “Our team is in shock having just found out about this tragic news. Our love and thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends.
