An elderly man, aged 80, was apprehended while trying to board a plane with his deceased wife, causing a stir among airport personnel. The man was stopped by security at Tenerife South Airport due to suspicions surrounding his wife’s condition. He informed authorities that his wife had passed away at the airport shortly before their planned flight.
Upon closer inspection, staff observed that the woman, seated in a wheelchair, was unresponsive with a significantly low body temperature. The incident unfolded at the metal detector checkpoint within the airport’s security zone. It was only when a security guard attempted to interact with the woman and received no response that concerns were raised, leading to the man’s arrest for further questioning.
Although details such as the date, airline involved, and the couple’s nationalities have not been revealed, Spanish newspaper Diario de Avisos reported the incident took place several months ago at Tenerife Airport. Witnesses described the couple as appearing like any ordinary elderly pair about to embark on a journey, but suspicions arose when the guard noticed something amiss after they passed through the security checkpoint.
An employee at Tenerife South airport recounted the moment when the guard discovered the woman’s condition, prompting the activation of emergency protocols and the involvement of security personnel and forensic experts.
According to the man’s initial account, he claimed his wife had died a few hours earlier inside the airport premises. However, some reports suggest that the man tried to shift blame for her death onto the airport facilities. Authorities are now investigating this claim along with airport officials.
The man has been detained and is cooperating with the authorities as an inquiry into the incident has been launched. The outcome of the investigation and any potential actions against the man remain uncertain.