THE family of a 20-year-old found dead in the lift shaft of a Turkish hotel have called for a murder investigation to be launched into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Tyler Kerry, a labourer from Pitsea, was found unresponsive on Friday morning at the bottom of the lift shaft in a hotel where he was staying with his grandparents and cousin.
A police investigation has been launched by Turkish authorities, however the family claim they have had very little communication around the probe so far.
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Tyler’s uncle, Alex Price, has been in communication with the family in Turkey and say they fear the circumstances surrounding the youngster’s horror fall have not been made clear.
The 20-year, who went to Southend’s Porters Grange Primary School, was on holiday with his grandmother Colette and grandfather Ray, at the all-inclusive Trendy Lara resort hotel in Antalya.
Alex said: “The family feel that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that there are suspicious circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death.
“We are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to take place so that the family can receive some answers for Tyler.”
His family say that Tyler was found at the bottom of the glass-fronted lift shaft wearing just his underwear, with his clothes later found at the first-floor lift entrance.
Tyler’s grandparents were due to have a meeting with Turkish police yesterday and his body is due to be repatriated to the UK via Heathrow Airport at around 10am today.
A fundraiser set up to help Tyler’s mum fly out to Turkey, that has raised more than £5,000, will now be put towards the cost of Tyler’s funeral.
“We are extremely touched and grateful for all the support we have received from the community. The money raised will now be put primarily towards the funeral costs,” said Alex.
TUI, the holiday provider, said: “We’d like to send our sincere condolences to the family of Tyler Kerry who sadly passed away while on holiday in Turkey.
“We will continue to provide around-the-clock support to Tyler’s family during this difficult time.
“As there is now a police investigation we are unable to comment further.”
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