Husband, 80, 'tries to board flight with dead wife'

The incident allegedly happened at the airport in Tenerife (Image: Getty)

An 80-year-old man reportedly tried to get on a flight with his deceased wife. The incident is said to have taken place at Tenerife South Airport, according to reports in Spain. It is claimed staff became concerned after the woman, who was in a wheelchair, appeared unresponsive.

The situation is reported to have unfolded during routine checks, when the man allegedly attempted to pass through a metal detector as if his wife were just another passenger. Security guards noticed the woman was unresponsive, allegedly finding that she was not breathing and that her body temperature was too low. 

Spanish media reports that, according to the husband’s first statements, the woman had died several hours earlier inside the airport premises. The man was reportedly arrested at the scene, with the circumstances surrounding her death being investigated by the authorities. The investigation remains ongoing.

Airport operator Aena said the report refers to an incident detected several months ago, adding that it was not aware of any similar cases since.

Spanish media reports say emergency protocols typically involve isolating the area, alerting senior security staff and contacting emergency services when a medical incident is suspected.  

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An airport employee told Spanish newspaper Diario de Avisos: “When she took the woman’s hand, she noticed she had an abnormally low temperature and wasn’t breathing.

“The worker immediately notified her supervisor. Within minutes, the emergency protocol was activated, and numerous security agents, Civil Guard officers, and forensic personnel arrived at the scene.”

The Civil Guard has been contacted for comment.